(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) K9 had to be released to chase down and apprehend a suspect wanted on numerous serious charges who ran from officers on Wednesday, April 16.

According to CSPD, around 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, officers tried to make contact with a man wanted for several serious charges, including felony domestic violence, felony menacing with a weapon, illegal possession of a firearm by a previous offender, and multiple misdemeanor warrants for harassment and violating a restraining order. CSPD said the suspect had also threatened to use a gun if police tried to arrest him.

When the suspect saw officers approaching, CSPD said he immediately ran away and toward K9 handler Officer Ferguson and K9 Kai in the 2600 block of Wood Avenue, just south of Fillmore Street near I-25. CSPD said Officer Ferguson got out of his vehicle with K9 Kai and gave the suspect a verbal warning to stop or the dog would be released.

CSPD said the suspect changed course when he saw the dog, but continued to run. Officer Ferguson followed and continued giving commands to stop, though the suspect ran toward nearby homes. Fearing that the suspect might break into one of the homes to hide or escape, Officer Ferguson released K9 Kai.

As the suspect approached a privacy fence, K9 Kai caught up to him and grabbed him by the arm, pulling him to the ground. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries from the dog bite. After treatment, he was booked into the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center on his outstanding warrants.

Due to the ongoing investigation, CSPD said the suspect’s name is not being released.