COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A Colorado Springs Police Department K-9 is fighting for his life after being stabbed multiple times while attempting to take a barricaded suspect into custody on Wednesday. Authorities have confirmed the suspect is an active-duty U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson.
According to police, officers were called to a home on Gorgeted Quail Grove around 10:43 a.m. in response to a domestic violence protection order violation. When officers arrived, the suspect barricaded himself inside the residence. The department’s Tactical Enforcement Unit and K-9 team were deployed to safely resolve the situation.
When K-9 Roam and his handler entered the home with the tactical team, the suspect allegedly attacked the dog, stabbing him multiple times. Police returned force using a chemical irritant and a Taser before subduing the suspect.
K-9 Roam was rushed to an emergency veterinary facility in critical condition and underwent surgery. His handler later confirmed that Roam’s rear left leg had to be amputated to stop the bleeding. At the time of the incident, Roam was just 18 months old—two months shy of receiving his first protective vest.
Dr. Abby Sticker, a veterinarian at the facility, said the next 24 hours would be critical for the young dog’s survival. “If he does pull through, we’re expecting multiple days in the hospital,” she told KKTV.
Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said the department considers Roam part of the family. Due to the severity of the attack, the case is being investigated as an attempted killing of a police service animal by the homicide unit.
Officials at Fort Carson identified the suspect as Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Bryant, a Public Affairs Chief with the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Bryant, who has served for 16 years, deployed to Europe in 2023 and took part in exercises in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Slovakia, and Sweden, according to his Army bio.
He previously served with the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and participated in multinational exercises including Cobra Gold 20 in Thailand and Defender Pacific 21 in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Bryant reclassified to Public Affairs in 2016 and supported the 4th Infantry Division and 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, deploying to Europe for Atlantic Resolve. He holds a degree in international business from Cal Poly Pomona and has completed both Airborne and Air Assault training, among other military courses.
His awards include multiple Army Commendation and Achievement Medals, the Army Superior Unit Award, and foreign jump wings from the Royal Thai Army.
In a statement to KKTV, a Fort Carson spokesperson expressed sympathy for the wounded K-9 and his handler:
“We will continue to support the Colorado Springs Police Department and offer our sincere and heartfelt prayers to K-9 Roam and the entire CSPD family.”
As of Thursday, K-9 Roam remained in critical but stable condition following surgery. Police have not released additional details about the domestic violence call that led to the incident. Sgt. 1st Class Bryant was taken into custody and is expected to face multiple charges, including the attempted killing of a police service animal.
The Colorado Springs community and law enforcement officers across the state have rallied around Roam and his handler as the young K-9 fights to recover.
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