Rialto K-9 who mauled 4-year-old boy will retire, police say

RIALTO, Calif. (KABC) -- A Rialto police dog who mauled his handler's 4-year-old son will not be euthanized, but his days as a police K-9 officer are over.

The dog, named Jango, is being retired, according to Rialto Police Capt. Andrew Karol.

The mauling happened on Feb. 8 in a Hesperia neighborhood. Jango was running free in his handler's backyard.

The handler's son unlocked the back sliding door, walked outside and it's unclear if the boy did anything to provoke Jango.

Doctors had to amputate the boy's foot and part of his leg, but it could have been much worse if not for the fast action of his neighbor. Jeff Houlemard came and pried Jango's jaw open.

"I was more than willing to take the situation away from that boy and put it on me. I didn't care if I got bit," he said.

Originally, the thought was that Jango might have to be put down, but Rialto police said incidents involving police dogs are handled differently than pets.

"Because he is considered a member of the department, the chief has the final discretion on that. Again, the chief decided that the best thing would be for Jango to be retired at this point," Karol said.

For now, Jango is at a K-9 training facility in Jurupa Valley. It is likely he will eventually go to another K-9 handler.

It is still under investigation whether or not Jango's handler followed proper procedures with his K-9 partner. The officer remains off duty, tending to his family.