7/20/17 - This morning, Mikey went to Sierra View Animal Hospital in Fresno to have his wound cleaned, bandage changed and an assessment made for reconstruction surgery of his foot.
Dr. Walsh examined Mikey's wound and said he looked so good that reconstruction surgery could take place today, so Dr. Walsh went on to perform the procedure.
Due to the great healthcare services and continued support and prayers from the community, Mikey is progressing in leaps and bounds. He continues to have a long road to recovery. His after care will prove to be a critical factor in giving him any chance at returning to duty.
We at the Sheriff's Office would like to send a huge thank you to all of the staff at Sierra View Animal Hospital; especially Dr. Scheidt and Dr. Walsh who are providing the best care in the world for Mikey.
7/19/17 - On Wednesday, an animal health specialist from U.C. Davis traveled to Fresno and evaluated Fresno Sheriff’s K-9 Mikey for an injury to his paw.
The specialist found there to be adequate blood circulation in Mikey’s leg, therefore, creating no need to perform any type of amputation surgery.
The road to recovery will be a long one, lasting several months. Mikey’s wound will be monitored on a daily basis and treatment will be administered as needed. Infection will remain one of the biggest concerns during the healing process. Our office remains hopeful that Mikey may actually be able to return to work one day. For now, the focus is to ensure he lives a happy, healthy life.
7/18/17 - Shortly after 9:00 am Tuesday, detectives with the Fresno HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) Task Force found a stolen vehicle parked at an apartment complex located on the 1900 block of E. Saginaw Way in Fresno. Detectives saw a 24 year old man by the name of Patrick Kasper get out of the vehicle and go into an upstairs apartment. A short time later, another man came out of that same apartment, walked over to the vehicle and then returned back upstairs. Detectives knocked on the apartment door and identified themselves as law enforcement, but no one answered. Detectives later developed information that the suspects may be armed with guns, so they made a decision to get SWAT involved. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team arrived on scene. As a safety precaution, detectives evacuated residents and neighbors of the complex.
Around 12:45 pm, SWAT members deployed tear gas into the unit where the suspects were believed to be hiding. A young man and two young women came out of the apartment and were detained. None of these people matched the description of the suspects detectives had seen near the stolen car. SWAT put more tear gas into the apartment and eventually two men and a woman came out. Kasper exited a different apartment unit, one he had made his way into by crawling through the attic. All three were detained, making it a total of six people placed in custody.
SWAT continued to clear the rest of the complex for additional potential threats. While in a first floor apartment, two Pit Bull dogs charged the team and began to attack Fresno Sheriff’s K-9 Mikey. Deputies fired bullets at the two Pit Bulls. One was struck and killed and the other ran and hid. One bullet accidently struck K-9 Mikey on his front foot, causing a severe injury. Mikey’s handler carried him out to a patrol car, which drove him to a local pet hospital for treatment.
K-9 Mikey is a six year old Dutch Shepherd and has worked at the Sheriff’s Office three years. His injury is not believe to be life-threatening, however, the future condition of his leg and foot is unknown. A veterinarian will soon make a decision about his treatment.
Detectives released two women and a man they had detained. They arrested a total of three people. They also recovered six guns and body armor.
Patrick Kasper, 24 year old of Fresno. He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail and faces felony charges of auto theft, possession of stolen property, burglary, being a felon in possession of guns, parole violation and resisting arrest.
Aaron Schwabenland, 27 year old of Fresno. He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail and faces felony charges of auto theft, possession of stolen property, being a felon in possession of guns, probation violation as part of AB109 and resisting arrest.
Staci Gomez, 30 years old of Fresno. She has been booked into the Fresno County Jail and faces felony charges of auto theft, possession of stolen property and resisting arrest.
Anyone with additional information on any of the suspects in this case is asked to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111 or call Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867). You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
***HEAT is comprised of members from the California Highway Patrol, Fresno County Sheriff's Office (FCSO), the National Insurance Crime Bureau and Clovis Police Department.
