K-9 Officer and Suspect Wounded in New Year’s Day Shooting

K-9 Officer and Suspect Wounded in New Year’s Day Shooting

One man has been taken into custody after a vehicle pursuit ended in a shooting that injured Delano Police K-9 Axel.

The full release can be seen below:

On January 1, 2022, at approximately 8:09 p.m., McFarland Police Officers attempted a traffic stop in the area of 3rd Street and W Perkins Avenue in McFarland. The vehicle refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated.

During the pursuit, McFarland PD requested the assistance of a Delano Police K-9. At about 8:44 p.m., the vehicle came to a stop in the area of E Sherwood Avenue and San Lucas Street.

Officers attempted to apprehend the suspect, who refused to exit the vehicle. A Delano Police K-9 handler deployed his K-9 to assist in the apprehension of the suspect. As the K-9 approached the suspect vehicle, the suspect produced a handgun and fired multiple rounds, striking the K-9. An officer-involved shooting occurred, and the suspect was shot.

The suspect, identified as Eduardo Figueroa (age 38), was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to live. Figueroa was booked on 10 counts of felony assault with a firearm on a person (PC 245), one felony count of willful harm to a peace officer’s dog with serious injury (PC 600), numerous felony weapons charges (PC 30305, PC 29800, PC 25850), and felony participation in a criminal street gang (PC 186). Figueroa is being held on $620,000 bail.

The Delano Police K-9 is in stable condition at a veterinary hospital.

No allied agency personnel were injured, and no Sheriff’s Office personnel were on scene when the incident occurred. Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to assist and secure the scene. KCSO Homicide Detectives responded to assume the investigation.

Anyone with information may contact KCSO at (661) 861-3110 or Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.