Kirkland K9 Thor injured while tracking felony-assault suspect

A Kirkland Police Department tracking K9 was accidentally stuck by a police cruiser early Friday morning during a suspect search.

A Kirkland Police Department tracking K9 was accidentally stuck by a police cruiser early Friday morning during a suspect search.

The K9 named Thor, who was momentarily knocked unconscious, was transported to Seattle Veterinary Specialists located in Kirkland and is recovering in good condition.

Police received a call for a possible felony assault at about 12:30 a.m. in the 13000 block of NE 70th Place.

“The suspect reportedly assaulted the victim with a broken piece of glass and was last seen leaving the area on foot,” said Kirkland police Lt. Mike Murray.

Thor and his handler, officer Daniel Hopkins, responded to the area and began tracking the suspect. Another officer working a perimeter post observed who he believed to be the suspect in the 6300 block of 132nd Ave. NE. A third officer responding to assist, inadvertently struck Thor with the front of his police cruiser. Officer Hopkins was not struck or injured.

The suspect Thor was tracking for the assault is currently in custody at the Kirkland Police Department for investigation of second-degree assault.

As a precaution, Thor will be kept overnight at Seattle Veterinary Specialists for observation.