A Thursday night DUI stop in Loveland turned ugly when a driver allegedly fought a Larimer County deputy, leaving a Loveland Police Department K9 with minor injuries, according to authorities. The dog, Nazar, is expected to return to duty soon. The suspect, identified by officials as 50-year-old Christopher Rendon of Greeley, was booked into the Larimer County Jail on multiple charges after the traffic stop near West 45th Street and North Grant Avenue.
How the stop unfolded
According to a post from the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, deputies initiated a traffic stop on a pickup near W. 45th Street and N. Grant Avenue after spotting signs of possible impairment.
When deputies tried to prevent the driver from leaving, officials say he fought with a deputy. Loveland Police K9 Nazar was deployed during the struggle. Both the dog and a deputy suffered minor injuries, and a taser was used to gain compliance, according to the sheriff's office.
Deputies reported that additional Larimer County and Loveland officers responded after a large group of people came outside and verbally disrupted the scene.
The suspect, identified as Rendon, was transported for medical evaluation and later booked into the Larimer County Jail. The sheriff's office says he faces counts that include second-degree assault on a peace officer, cruelty to a service animal, resisting arrest, and several misdemeanors and traffic violations. Officials also noted that these charges are accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What officials said
"This incident illustrates the unpredictable nature of patrol work," Sheriff John Feyen wrote in the agency's post, adding that responders "resolved the situation professionally."
The sheriff's office also stated that K9 Nazar maintained control of the suspect during the encounter, which allowed deputies to take him into custody.
K9 Nazar and the response
Nazar is a dual-purpose patrol and narcotics dog handled by Loveland officers, according to AKC Reunite. The sheriff's office said Nazar sustained minor injuries but held control of the suspect and is expected to return to work.
Officials pointed to Nazar's role in the arrest as an example of how K9 teams support suspect apprehension and officer safety in Northern Colorado.
Charges and what they carry
The sheriff's office listed second-degree assault on a peace officer among the most serious counts. Under Colorado law, that offense is generally a class 4 felony and can carry significant prison time if prosecuted. The statute and penalties are outlined on Justia.
Cruelty to a service animal is typically charged under Colorado's animal cruelty laws, which treat cruelty to a service or police animal as a punishable offense and allow courts to order restitution for veterinary and, in serious cases, replacement costs. Those provisions are detailed on Justia.
According to the sheriff's office, Rendon was taken to an area hospital for evaluation and remains in custody at the Larimer County Jail while investigators complete reports and prosecutors review the case. Court dates were not listed in the public post, and the matter will move forward through Larimer County's criminal process.
