Niagara police K9 officer injured during arrest in Thorold

A Niagara police officer was cut with a knife after coming to the aid of his partner, police service dog Jax, during an arrest in Thorold early Thursday morning.

Police say a K9-unit officer was in area of Hayes Rd. and Allanburg Rd. just after 3am conducting checks of properties that have been the target of theft and vandalism.

The officer found an unoccupied car parked adjacent to a former commercial production plant.

Police say the officer and Jax entered the plant and found two trespassers with flashlights who fled when the officer tried to make an arrest.

One of the trespassers was located and when the officer tried to arrest him again, he brandished a knife and made several unsuccessful attempts to stab Jax.

The officer came to Jax’s assistance and in the course of attempting to disarm him, the officer was cut by the knife and sustained minor injuries.

Police charged a 17-year-old Thorold youth with attempt to injure a police dog, assault on a peace officer with a weapon, break and enter in a place other than a dwelling, possession of break in instruments, mischief under $5,000 and resisting arrest.

The youth suffered minor injuries during the arrest and was treated at a local hospital.

Police continue to search for the other suspect and ask any with information to call them immediately.