A police K-9 came to the rescue of an officer who was being ambushed by three men and the dog most likely saved his life, authorities said today.
Deputy Todd Frazier was traveling along a remote stretch of Highway 90 in Pearlington, Mississippi, on Monday when he saw a blue Lincoln Town Car at a deserted rest stop, said Sheriff Ricky Adam of the Hancock County Sheriff's Department.
The driver of the vehicle looked as if he wasn't moving, so Frazier, a three-year veteran of the department, pulled over in order to check on him, Adam told ABC News.
Touching Surprise Procession for Fallen Hero K-9 Dog From Shelter to K9 Unit: Group Gives Dogs Second Chance and a Duty"Two individuals surprised Deputy Frazier from the shadows and an altercation ensued," Adam said. "One cut him across the forehead with a razor, one choked him, and one grabbed his legs to carry him to the edge of the woods."
Frazier was able to hit a button to release his K-9, Lucas, a black Belgian Malinois, from his car, Adam said. Lucas bit the attackers, who then tried to flee in their car.
As they drove away, Lucas was still hanging onto the leg of one of the assailants, Adam said. As a result of the altercation, Lucas chipped a few teeth and bruised his shoulder.
Frazier also has bruises, including a gash on his forehead, but his injuries are not life-threatening, Adam said. Both have not been back to work since the incident, but are expected to be okay.
"Deputy Frazier is a good deputy and takes his job seriously. He is also an excellent dog handler -- he trained Lucas himself," Adam said, noting all three suspects remain at large.
It was unclear what the motive of the attack was, Adam said.