Christmas Burglary Suspect Attacked Police Dog, Prosecutors Allege

PASADENA, CA — Criminal charges were filed Wednesday against a burglary suspect who allegedly attacked and injured a Pasadena police dog on Christmas Day.

Jose Manuel Soto, 45, is charged with one count each of assaulting a police animal causing a serious injury, second-degree commercial burglary and vandalism with $400 or more in damage or destruction of property, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

He pleaded not guilty and was ordered to remain jailed in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Soto was arrested Monday afternoon by Pasadena police who responded to a call of a burglary in progress at a store at 1720 E. Colorado Blvd., according to Lt. Monica Cuellar of the Pasadena Police Department.

Soto was taken into custody without incident after allegedly using a pair of scissors to attack Rex -- a 2 1/2-year-old Dutch shepherd who has been with the police department since May 2022, Cuellar said.

The dog suffered a two-inch laceration to his snout and was immediately taken to a veterinary trauma hospital, where he received several sutures, according to the police lieutenant.

He is reported to be doing "really well" and is expected to be back to work Sunday as the city prepares for Monday's Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game, Cuellar said.

Soto was not bitten by the police dog or otherwise injured, she added.

The defendant is due back in a Pasadena courtroom Jan. 16, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to allow the case against him to proceed to trial.

City News Service