California convicted felon accused of stabbing Sheriff’s Office K-9

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (TCD) -- A 27-year-old man was shot on Sunday, Jan. 2, after he allegedly stabbed a K-9 from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a news release from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, shortly before 5 p.m., the Fresno Police Department responded to the area of South Maple and East American avenues in Fresno to look for Gabriel Mata, a wanted felon. Mata reportedly fled the scene on foot, and a sheriff’s K-9 was deployed to assist.

The Sheriff’s Office says they saw Mata near the railroad tracks west of Maple and sent their K-9, Cyra, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois who has been working in the field for about a year. Cyra reportedly chased after Mata, and he stabbed her multiple times. According to the Sheriff’s Office, two Fresno Police officers then fired their guns, shooting Mata. He was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Mata is currently in critical condition at the Community Regional Medical Center and has been electronically booked into the Fresno County Jail on domestic violence charges.

The Sheriff’s Office says Cyra was brought to 24/7 PetVets for medical treatment, including stitches and staples, and she is currently recovering at home.

According to KFSN-TV, Mata has a criminal past and is a convicted felon. He’s reportedly faced multiple charges, including illegally possessing a gun, burglary, and fleeing a peace officer.

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