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3 Officers Injured, K-9 Stabbed During Lawrenceville Arrest

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Three Pittsburgh police officers and a K-9 were injured Tuesday night while police tried to arrest a wanted man.

According to police, while driving in Lawrenceville, an Allegheny County Deputy Sheriff recognized a man wanted on probation/parole violations  in the area of Penn Avenue and Butler Street.

He tried to arrest the man, later identified as John Rush, but Rush resisted, reached for the deputy's gun and was Tazed by the deputy.

That still didn't stop Rush, who fled the scene. He was later found to be hiding in a building in the 3700-block of Butler Street.

While searching the building, Pittsburgh Police officers, a K-9 and his handler located Rush hiding in the basement.

Police say Rush lunged forward at the three officers and the K-9, wildly swinging a pocket knife.

After a brief struggle, he was placed under arrest.

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(Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Police)

The K-9 was stabbed in the back and was taken to the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty Emergency Center on Camp Horne Road. The K-9 was stabilized and underwent two surgeries this morning. A kidney had to be removed and the dog was last listed in critical condition and is on a ventilator.

Anyone with a dog that would like to donate blood, call the PVSEC at (412)-366-3400.

One officer suffered a minor stab wound to his left shoulder. The other two officers suffered injuries to their knees, arms and legs. They are all expected to recover.

The Allegheny County Sheriff's Office says Rush, was wanted for failing to register as a sex offender. He was also charged in a violent home invasion at his step-father's home in Lawrenceville back in December.

While on the run, officials say Rush was with a missing juvenile female and the two of them traveled to Washington D.C., Atlanta and New Orleans. Sheriff's deputies learned Rush and the missing juvenile returned to the South Side on Saturday.

Stay with KDKA for more information.

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