NXT More than $68,000 donated for K9 Roam, police dog who had leg amputated after stabbing

Man accused of stabbing CSPD K9 Roam identified as Fort Carson Sergeant

According to CSPD, officers responded to a domestic violence protection order violation at a residence in the 7400 block of Gorgeted Quail Grove.

Arrest records obtained by KRDO 13 show Henry Bryant resided in the home, who is the husband of Anthony Bryant. Henry was the one who made the call to dispatchers as Anthony circled the home, looking for ways to get in.

Upon arrival, police say they noticed a side window that had been broken out with a small sledgehammer. They then asked Anthony to exit the home, but he refused. That’s when K9 Roam was deployed to assist alongside his handler and Tactical Enforcement Unit officers into the home.

According to CSPD, Roam quickly found Anthony before being stabbed repeatedly with a paring knife and was transported to a local emergency veterinary facility.

CSPD says the suspect, 37-year-old Anthony Bryant, was tased, and a chemical irritant was used before the suspect was taken into custody. Due to the severe injuries K9 Roam faces, the CSPD Homicide Unit is leading the investigation into the attempted killing of a police service animal, confirms law enforcement. 

Bryant has been confirmed to be an active Fort Carson Sergeant, assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group, having served for over 16 years with the Army.

The Police Foundation of Colorado Springs (PFCS) says K9 officer Roam “pulled through” his successful emergency surgery.

According to PFCS, Roam had multiple surgeries on his neck, abdomen, and leg. Despite the encouraging development, PCFS says Roam is “not out of the woods yet.”

Roam’s handler tells PCFS that he lifted his head and even began to wag his tail after surgery.

“Because of that laceration that extended into his inguinal region, so kind of the armpit of the back leg, there was just too much damage done to that area in the hip, and so it was decided mid-surgery that they weren’t going to be able to save it and so they are either in the process right now of removing it or have already removed it,” says Abby Sticker, E.R. veterinarian.

Chief Adrian Vasquez said that, unfortunately, K9 Roam was too young to receive a bulletproof/stabproof vest because he was still growing. According to the chief, he is only two months away from being old enough to wear the vest.

Bryant is currently being held in the El Paso County jail and facing multiple felony charges, including animal cruelty, resisting arrest, and burglary.

Chief Vasquez says that any residents who want to donate funds for their team should do so through the Colorado Springs Police Foundation.

According to our previous reporting, K9 Roam completed his training so he could work with the Colorado Springs Police Department this past summer. He is certified for a Patrol Apprehension and Firearms Detection certification.