Cass County, MN Sheriff's K9 officer assaulted by crime suspect

Image provided by Cass County, MN Sheriff's Office
Image provided by Cass County, MN Sheriff's Office

(Fargo, ND) -- Cass County Sheriff K9 Officer Ryker was injured by a crime suspect while responding to an assault in progress Sunday afternoon at a home in Wilkinson Township, rural Cass Lake, Minnesota. 

The sheriff's office says a deputy and Ryker were called to the home following reports of a man assaulting people with an axe.

After locating the suspect, the deputy deployed Ryker to help subdue the suspect.

The suspect used a metal pipe to strike the dog in the head twice, causing significant injury.

The suspect was taken into custody.

Ryker is now receiving treatment at a Twin Cities emergency veterinary hospital.

There is no word on the extent of the dog's injuries. 

The 6-year-old German Shepard has served the sheriff's office for 4 years.

The sheriff's office is asking citizens to keep Ryker in their thoughts and prayers. 

Two men were injured by the suspect but not require medical aid.