UPDATE, 7/19: The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office update:

“Johnny”

K9 Johnny was discharged Friday night, July 15, 2016 and was released to stay with his handler. Saturday evening Johnny’s conditioned worsened and he was placed back in the Animal Hospital with an upper respiratory infection. K9 Johnny has drain tubes and is on medication to keep him stabilized. He will remain in the Hospital until he is stabilized and free of infection. Sheriff Bruce Haney and all the personnel at the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank everyone for all the support and kind words since K9 Johnny’s injury.

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UPDATE, FRIDAY MORNING: The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office says:

K9 Johnny remains in stable condition. He was kept overnight for observation. He has no nerve damage and will be receiving a drain this afternoon to help his wounds heal. He may get to go home this evening. K9 Johnny is expected to make a full recovery with physical therapy and is expected to return to his regular duties in as early as a month.

The Sheriff’s Office has received many inquiries about donating to K9 Johnny’s care and recovery. K9 Johnny is covered under his own medical insurance. However, anyone wanting to donate to the K9 unit at the Trinity Co. Sheriff’s Office can do so by mail. Donations can be made to:

Trinity Co. Sheriff’s Auxiliary
PO Box 427
Weaverville, CA 96093

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Original Post: From the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office:

On Thursday, July 14, 2016 at approximately 7:00am Trinity County Sheriff’s Dispatch was notified by a Trinity County Sheriff Deputy working with Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) in a remote undisclosed location eradicating marijuana that K9 Officer Johnny had been stabbed and needed medical attention. K9 Johnny had entered the marijuana grow with his handler when multiple suspects started to flee the area.

Johnny was able to apprehend one suspect who Officers detained and then went after the second suspect who was carrying a 10 inch knife and pistol. The second suspect stabbed K9 Johnny in the left side of his neck with the 10 inch knife and fled into the woods. Officers recovered the knife and pistol but were not able to locate the second suspect.

The first suspect was identified as Clemente Lopez, DOB: 2/23/84 from Mexico.

The California Highway Patrol helicopter was able to pick up K9 Johnny and his handler and transported them to the Weaverville Airport where there they were transported to a local animal hospital. K9 Johnny is stable and suffered a severe laceration to the left side of his neck. We will keep you updated on K9 Johnny’s prognosis.