K-9 cop viciously stabbed while nabbing suspect — but is already walking off his injuries like a champ

A canine cop in upstate New York is expected to make a full recovery after sustaining a dozen stab wounds while apprehending a suspected home intruder.

Around 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning, Canine Norbi and his unidentified human partner were on the trail of 25-year-old Curtis Knockwood, a man suspected of breaking into several homes in the Emerald Greens neighborhood of Troy, New York, near Albany. When the police duo caught up with the suspect in a wooded area, Knockwood allegedly lunged at Norbi, prompting Norbi to lunge in return.

The leashed Belgian Malinois then sank his teeth into the suspect's leg. In reprisal, Knockwood reportedly drew a knife and began stabbing Norbi, penetrating the animal's harness and wounding him in the torso at least 12 times. Norbi's handler attempted to tase the suspect but could not incapacitate him. Two other officers then arrived to offer assistance, but one of them ultimately suffered a broken foot in the incident as well. Despite these injuries, the efforts of Norbi and the other officers still led to a "successful arrest," said a statement from the Troy Police Department.

The suspected thief was transported to Samaritan Hospital for a dog bite while Canine Norbi was raced to Upstate Veterinary Services for treatment. But, as the New York Post said, Norbi was "doggone lucky." Despite the vicious attack, Norbi was treated and released the same day. "Canine Norbi is expected to make a full recovery and will be returning to active duty after a period of rest and rehabilitation," Troy police said.

Upon his return to the office, Norbi received a hero's welcome as officers lined the entryway to applaud and greet him. "We will continue to rely on the exceptional skills and dedication of our K-9 Unit, including Canine Norbi, in our ongoing efforts to protect and serve the residents of Troy," the police statement added.

Knockwood was charged with felony burglary and misdemeanor injuring a police animal. On Wednesday afternoon, just hours after the incident, Knockwood limped into Troy City Court wearing a hospital gown, the Times Union of Albany reported. He pled not guilty to all charges, was denied bail, and then was remanded to the Rensselaer County jail. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Monday.

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