A San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office K9 is on the mend after emergency surgery following a stabbing that resulted in an officer-involved shooting of the suspect.

According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred near Highway 99 and E. Frontage Road early Thursday morning after deputies saw a car parked on the side of the road and attempted to make contact with the driver.

Shortly after 5 a.m. when deputies made contact with the driver and determined that they had warrants out for their arrest, the suspect reportedly refused to exit the vehicle – prompting officers to negotiate with the suspect.

Just after 6 a.m. on Thursday, the suspect reportedly opened the door of the car and armed with a knife and proceeded to attack one of the law enforcement K9s – stabbing the dog three times before an officer ultimately shot the suspect.

The suspect, who was identified only as a middle-aged man, was taken to an area hospital where he ultimately died of his injuries.

The K9 – Jet – was stabbed three times during the incident. According to an update posted by the sherriff’s office, Jet was stabbed once on the snout, once below his right eye, and once to the top of his head. He was transported to an area veterinary hospital where he underwent emergency surgery resulting in almost three-dozen stitches.

 The agency said that Jet’s handler reported that he is now awake and is on the mend.

To contact Bulletin reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.