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Back On Duty: Injured Police Dog Recovering After Injury

On Friday, the Jamestown Police Department held a press conference on the recovery of K-9 “Mitchell,” who on Nov. 15, was stabbed and wounded during the apprehension of accused murderer Keith L. Robbins. Mitchell is making a speedy recovery and is already back on duty. P-J photo by A.J. Rao

Bouncing back from adversity is in every hero’s DNA — regardless of species.

On Friday, the Jamestown Police Department held a press conference on the recovery of K-9 “Mitchell,” who on Nov. 15, was stabbed and wounded during the apprehension of accused murderer Keith L. Robbins.

K-9 handler, Officer Erik Kraft, said Mitchell is making a great recovery, thanks in large part to the veterinarians from the Moonbrook and Russell veterinary hospitals.

“One of the main reasons (Mitchell) is doing as well as he’s doing right now is because of all the help from the veterinarians,” Kraft said. “We’ve now been back on the road for a couple of days. (Mitchell) is full of energy and coming along very well.”

Due to an ongoing investigation, Kraft could not comment about the wound itself or provide any specifics on the alleged attack.

Captain Robert F. Samuelson, division commander of the JPD, did credit Kraft for saving Mitchell’s life.

“(Mitchell) would probably not be here now were it not for the actions of (Kraft),” Samuelson said.

Robbins, the alleged assailant, is now behind bars, charged with second-degree murder and injuring a police animal.

Last month, the city of Jamestown announced that Mitchell would be recognized as the Christmas Parade’s Grand Marshall, an honor never extended to an animal before. Both Mitchell and Kraft led the parade Friday from their patrol car.

“(Being chosen Grand Marshall) was a great honor for him … it’s very exciting,” Kraft said. “The community has been great and I can’t express how much thanks I have for everybody (who’s) written letters of support.”

K-9 Mitchell is a 6-year-old German Shepherd, who was acquired by the department’s K-9 Unit in 2011. He is named after David Mitchell, a former JPD detective and undercover narcotics officer who was shot and injured on Sept. 15, 1999.

“(Mitchell) has made a speedy recovery … it’s unbelievable,” Kraft said. “He’s a strong dog and a great partner.”

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