A burglary attempt disrupted the holiday cheer in Pasadena as local police officers and a K-9 unit responded to a break-in at the 99 Cent Only Store on Christmas Day. According to a Facebook post by the Pasadena Police Department officers arrived on the scene to find an individual inside the store and attempted dialogue to lure them out.
The situation intensified when Officer Goetz and his K-9 partner Rex made their entrance. The police animal expertly sniffed out the suspect's location, despite the individual's efforts to throw various items at them—efforts that resulted in a 2-inch laceration to Rex's snout. "Rex's unwavering dedication played a pivotal role in ensuring officer safety," noted the Pasadena Police Department's post.
Officer Goetz tended to Rex's injuries before the canine was taken to an emergency veterinarian for further care. The team effort by Rex and the responding officers enabled the safe apprehension of the suspect.
Rex, a 2 1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois, has been with Officer Goetz since February 2022. The post from the department also underscored the strong bond between K9 officers and their partners and how it extends into building trust within the community they serve.
In the aftermath of the event, the department expressed open gratitude to Rex who, through his actions, proved to be a hero that day. They stated, "To Rex, our sincere gratitude! You exemplify true heroism!"
