Grand Rapids Police Department’s K9 Eli is back on the force after being stabbed multiple times during an incident last year.
In mid-November 2022, police were in pursuit of a 24-year-old assault suspect who had barricaded himself in a residence on Grand Rapids’ northwest side. The suspect stabbed the K9 eight times, leading to a punctured lung and other life-threatening injuries.
Eli was taken to and later released from the Animal Emergency Hospital, where he continued his recovery with his human partner, Officer Justin Kribs.
Authorities revealed this week, that Eli has been medically cleared and is back to work full time. In a post on social media, GRPD said the K9 went through training scenarios and exercises to ensure he is physically and mentally fit for duty.
“On behalf of Officer Kribs, the K9 team and the department, thank you for the outpouring of support, well wishes and donations,” the department said.
