Body camera shows the moments before Kalamazoo police K-9 is stabbed by a man holding a knife

7 months ago
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"Put the knife down, put the knife down," a Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer yelled.

News Channel 3 obtained body camera video that shows moments before a man stabs K-9 Sledge and threatens to kill police.

The incident happened on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

Background: Man who stabbed Michigan K-9 in throat charged with home invasion, sexual assault
Fred Walker, 49, is charged with six different felonies:

First-degree home invasion - punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and or a fine of up to $5,000

Second-degree criminal sexual conduct (weapon used) - punishable by up to 15 years in prison, mandatory STD testing

Police animal - killing/serious injury - punishable by up to five years in prison, and or a fine of up to $10,000

Two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon - punishable by up to four years in prison, and or a fine of up to $2,000

Assaulting, resisting and obstructing a police officer - punishable by two years in prison, and or a fine of up to $2,000

Walker admitted to police that he did intentionally stab K-9 Sledge.

He came out of a home on West Kalamazoo Avenue shirtless Feb. 6, after a woman claimed he followed her into the home grabbed her by the throat then threatened to rape and kill her.

Kalamazoo public safety officers arrived to the house soon after.

Walker then came at police with a knife while cussing and shouting at officers, "I am going to kill you."

“Hey Fred get back, put the knife down, hey Fred put the knife down," an officer yelled.

Walker ignored commands and continued walking towards officers with a knife in his hand.

“If you have a taser we need to tase him," an officer said to another officer.

“f**** n****why you running?” Walker said.

Several officers had a gun drawn on the 49-year-old, but he didn't stop.

“I am going to shoot you okay? You need to put your hands up," an officer said.

Walker refused to put his hands up while continuously cussing at officers.

K-9 handler Max Houtman announced he was going to release K-9 Sledge.

“I’m going to kill that mother f****** dog," Walker said. "Bite your master, bite his d***!"

The officer gave Walker one last chance before releasing Sledge.

“Drop the knife, drop it," the officer said.

Walker still refused, then fell to the ground while stabbing Sledge multiple times in the neck.

Then a chaotic struggle ensued, officers held Walker down while he told them he believed he was dead.

“I didn’t realize I was dead," Walker said.

"You’re not dead, you’re not dead," an officer reassured him.

Sledge was rushed to a local animal hospital. The K-9 did survive the vicious attack.

Sledge was stabbed in the jugular vein and sustained 40% blood loss, public safety officers said.

Police told News Channel 3 the K-9 is a "hero". He is back at work and has been doing well since the incident, according to police.

Walker's defense attorney argues Walker has mental health issues including schizophrenia.

Walker is due back in court June 26 for a status review, which will determine if he's mentally competent to stand trial.

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