Suspect shot by Fullerton police after stabbing K-9

FULLERTON, Calif. (KABC) -- A knife-wielding suspect was shot by Fullerton police after stabbing a police K-9 early Wednesday morning, authorities said.

Officers responded to a report of a male brandishing a weapon in the 1100 block of E. Chapman Avenue at about 1 a.m.

At the scene, police ordered the suspect, later identified as Jimmy Lastra, 42, of Artesia, to drop his knife but he repeatedly refused. That's when police say they used non-lethal sponge rounds to no avail.

K-9 Rotar was then deployed in an attempt to bring Lastra into custody. The suspect stabbed K-9 Rotar, and that's when Fullerton police opened fire.

The suspect was shot and transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

K-9 Rotar was treated for minor injuries at Yorba Regional Animal Hospital in Anaheim. He's expected to return to work in about a week, police said.

The suspect has an outstanding arrest warrant for assault and battery. He is now facing additional charges in connection to this incident.

Commonwealth Avenue was closed in both directions at Princeton Avenue during the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this case was asked to contact the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6800.