Fort Carson Soldier Charged After Allegedly Stabbing Police Dog

A sergeant with the 10th Special Forces Group, Anthony Bryant, is facing multiple charges after allegedly stabbing a police dog during a domestic violence check in Colorado Springs. The incident occurred on Wednesday, leaving the K-9, named K-9 Roam, in critical condition and necessitating the amputation of one of his legs.

Police responded to a residence approximately 20 miles north of Fort Carson following a report of a violation of a domestic violence protection order. Upon arrival, officers found that Bryant had barricaded himself inside the home. The Colorado Springs Police Department dispatched a tactical enforcement unit and K-9s to assist in resolving the situation. During the encounter, K-9 Roam and his handler confronted Bryant, who allegedly stabbed the dog multiple times.

K-9 Roam was subsequently taken to Animal ER Care, arriving in critical condition. According to Abby Sticker, a veterinarian involved in his treatment, Roam suffered stab wounds to the head and neck, along with a severe laceration from his abdomen to his left hind leg, which required amputation during surgery. The dog also received multiple blood transfusions due to hemorrhaging.

As of Friday, Roam’s condition has stabilized and he is expected to survive, according to Caitlin Ford Blanco, a spokesperson for the Colorado Springs Police Department. Recovery is anticipated to take several days at the animal hospital.

Bryant was taken into custody after officers deployed a Taser and a chemical irritant to subdue him. He is set to face charges including burglary, obstruction, resisting arrest, and attempted felony aggravated cruelty to law enforcement animals. If K-9 Roam succumbs to his injuries, El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen indicated that the charges against Bryant would escalate to a Class 4 felony, which carries a potential sentence of two to six years in prison under Colorado law.

The investigation is currently being led by the police department’s homicide unit. As of Friday, Bryant is being held on a $500,000 bond, with his court date scheduled for October 27, 2023.

K-9 Roam holds the distinction of being the department’s first certified gun detection dog, specifically trained to locate concealed firearms and ammunition. During a news conference, Police Chief Adrian Vasquez addressed questions regarding Roam’s lack of a stab-proof vest, explaining that the dog is only 18 months old and vests are typically fitted for K-9s starting at 20 months.

The incident has raised significant concerns within the community regarding the safety of police animals and the protocols in place during high-risk operations.