KALAMAZOO, MI – A confrontation involving a knife-wielding man ended with a police K9 injured but successfully subduing the suspect, according to Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS).
The incident occurred on the evening of February 6, when KDPS officers were called to the 900 block of W. Kalamazoo Ave. around 7:30 p.m. They encountered an adult male on a porch, armed with a box cutter and threatening to stab people, including the officers.
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Despite orders to drop the weapon, the suspect advanced on the officers. KDPS K9 handler Max Houtman, a five-year veteran, arrived with K9 Sledge. The suspect then turned his aggression toward them, ignoring further commands to disarm.
K9 Sledge was deployed to protect those present and successfully restrained the suspect. During the altercation, the suspect stabbed Sledge several times in the throat. The 49-year-old male suspect was later treated for arm lacerations caused by the K9.
K9 Sledge, a 4-year-old Dutch Shepard, was rushed to the Animal Emergency Hospital in Byron Center, where he was treated for a stab wound to the jugular vein and a 40% blood loss. Remarkably, Sledge survived and has been discharged from the hospital, returning home on his own four legs with handler Houtman.
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The suspect is currently detained at the KCSO jail, facing multiple felony charges related to the attacks. The case awaits review by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office.
KDPS expressed gratitude to the staff at the Animal Emergency & Specialty Hospital, the Michigan State Police, and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance. They also thanked the Kalamazoo community for their ongoing support of the police K9s.
Sledge and Houtman have served on the KDPS K9 Team since 2021. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 269-337-8139 or provide anonymous tips through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer at 269-343-2100, the “P3Tips” app, or online at www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com.
