Woodland police dog hit by car, severely injured while chasing suspect

A Woodland police service dog is in critical condition after being hit by a car while on duty. The canine, named Peydro, was injured chasing a suspect early Saturday, according to a statement from the Woodland Police Department.

Just after midnight, Peydro and his human partner, Officer Juan Barrera, were on routine patrol in the area of Cleveland and North streets when they spotted a wanted parole violator. Marcos Hernandez, 35, took off in a sprint, authorities said, with Peydro and Barrera in pursuit. At Walnut and North streets the canine was struck by a car southbound on Walnut.

Peydro sustained facial fractures, a broken spine and a spinal cord injury. The accident also damaged his lungs. On Saturday night, The Woodland Police Department reported that Peydro underwent surgery at the UC Davis veterinary hospital in the afternoon to relieve pressure on his spinal cord. The surgery was not expected to be completed until late Saturday, according to Woodland Police Sgt. Brett Hancock.

The driver of the car that struck Peydro remained at the scene of the accident and cooperated with officers, police said. The driver is not expected to be charged.

Hernandez later turned himself in to the Woodland Police Department. He was booked without bail for parole violation and resisting/obstructing/delaying an officer, according to the police statement.

Donations for Peydro’s medical needs may be made through the Foothills K9 Association at www.Foothillsk9.org/product-category/donation/.

This story was originally published May 28, 2016 at 10:41 AM with the headline "Woodland police dog hit by car, severely injured while chasing suspect."