The Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating a K9 Contact with Hospitalization that occurred in the Harbor Division on January 8, 2026.
According to LAPD officials, the incident began at approximately 2:58 p.m. when a Harbor Area uniformed officer was patrolling near Cary Avenue and East Opp Street.
The officer observed a suspect, later identified as Christian Vasquez, commit a vehicle code violation while riding a bicycle.
When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Vasquez dropped his bicycle and fled on foot. A foot pursuit followed.
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During the pursuit, police said Vasquez removed a handgun from a crossbody bag and placed the firearm into his waistband.
He then discarded the crossbody bag while continuing to run.
The officer established a perimeter in the area, and Metropolitan Division K9 officers were requested to assist in locating the suspect.
Before deploying the K9 unit, officers made multiple announcements over a public address system, instructing Vasquez to surrender.
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Police said Vasquez did not comply with the commands.
A K9 search was then initiated.
Officers reported that the police dog located Vasquez inside a crawl space beneath a residence.
A K9 bite occurred during the apprehension.
Vasquez was taken into custody without further incident.
He sustained a wound to his right arm as a result of the K9 contact.
Officers requested a rescue ambulance, and Vasquez was transported to a local hospital. He was treated and admitted for injuries related to the K9 bite, according to LAPD.
The discarded crossbody bag was recovered at the scene. Police said the bag contained narcotics, which were booked into evidence.
Vasquez was later booked on one count of 11378 H&S – Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales.
Authorities confirmed that no officers or community members were injured during the incident.
Personnel from the LAPD’s Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and are conducting an investigation into the K9 contact, in accordance with department policy.
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