K-9 accidently shot, injured by deputy in Lakeland Village

LAKELAND VILLAGE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Riverside County Sheriff's Department K-9 is recovering after accidentally being shot by a deputy.

"Tessa" was shot while helping the sheriff's department search for a suspect who escaped from custody late Friday night. The suspect, Shawn Redding, has since been arrested.

During the search, a pit bull attacked the K-9. A deputy immediately opened fire, killing the pit bull, but one of the rounds hit Tessa.

The bullet shattered the bones in her right paw. It was not a life-threatening injury, but she did have one toe amputated.

Tessa currently requires round the clock supervision and care, but, so far, there is no talk of retirement.

"We have a long recovery road ahead of us, but we'll take it day by day. Tessa is too young and driven to be done!" Tessa's partner, Deputy Kari Cranfill, was quoted as saying.