Police K9 Recovering After Amputation, Emergency Surgery

VACAVILLE, CA — A Vacaville Police Department K9 member had its leg amputated after it suffered a gunshot wound.

"Our beloved K9, Murph, has successfully come through surgery and is now in recovery," Vacaville PD said late Wednesday. "Sadly, due to the severity of his injury, his left front leg had to be amputated. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible Vacaville community for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support during this time."

Murph was injured Wednesday afternoon while apprehending an armed suspect, Darren Crail, 52, of Vacaville. The dog suffered a gunshot wound to an extremity.

SWAT and crisis negotiators responded to the 300 block of Regency Circle after Crail, who claimed to be armed with a rifle, called 911 and threatened to shoot others, police said.

Leading up to the incident, Crail called Vacaville police dispatchers several times, threatening to harm himself. According to police, when officers contacted Crail, he declined all resources and various services offered to him.

According to police, the situation escalated when Crail called Vacaville PD Dispatch and threatened to shoot members of the community. Around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers and K9 Murph responded to Crail's residence.

"Several announcements were made to have Crail exit his residence," police said. "Crail exited the front door armed with a rifle. He refused to surrender peacefully and K9 Murph attempted to take Crail into custody."

It is alleged that Crail fired at least one rifle round, striking K9 Murph.

The dog was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital and underwent surgery. He is expected to survive but without one of his legs.

Crail suffered minor injuries in the apprehension and was treated at a local hospital. Police expect to charge him on suspicion of multiple felonies including, but not limited to, harming a police dog, negligent discharge of a firearm, illegal possession of an assault weapon, making criminal threats and resisting arrest.

"K9 Murph has been a dedicated service member of the Vacaville Police Department for over three years," police said. "Please keep both Murph and his handler in your thoughts during this time."