'Chief of Police': Hero police dog who survived ‘stabbing frenzy during an M5 carjacking’ praised after his terrifying ordeal - and even got his own back on the alleged attacker
An unlikely candidate has become the new hero of the New South Wales Police Force after the pooch was allegedly almost stabbed during a dramatic 60km pursuit across Sydney.
Chief was almost stabbed when he and his handler attempted to restrain a 33-year-old man in the M5 tunnel in Arncliffe, south Sydney, on Wednesday.
The Malinois's handler - a male sergeant - was allegedly bitten by the accused.
But the police dog fought back and left the alleged offender with bite marks of his own.
Chief had minor injuries but he and his handler are recovering well following the alleged attack.
Chief , a police dog, was almost stabbed when he and his handler attempted to restrain a 33-year-old man in the M5 tunnel in Arncliffe, south Sydney, on Wednesday
NSW Police praised Chief for his heroic efforts during the arrest on Thursday
NSW Police praised Chief for his heroic efforts on Thursday.
'This police doggo assisted with the arrest of a suspect yesterday,' the social media post read.
'During the arrest, both the police dog and a hooman colleague sustained minor injuries, however we're happy to report that both are okay. 12/10 effort .'
This isn't the first time that Chief's efforts have been in the spotlight.
The newly minted police dog had a big weekend in May where he helped apprehend an alleged car thief and two persons of interest in a break-and-enter.
The 33-year-old man who allegedly attacked Chief and his handler has since been charged with 20 offences.
On Wednesday, police from Campbelltown, in Sydney's south-west, allegedly spotted a a stolen blue Subaru Impreza at 10.30am.
Sydney's M5 East tunnel was brought to a standstill on Wednesday morning after a man was shot in the leg and arrested following two alleged carjackings and a police pursuit
The officers lost sight of the vehicle but it was later spotted at a petrol station in Narellan, where the man was allegedly threatening customers and staff with a machete.
He also allegedly rammed police car several times before police shot the man in the leg.
A 17-year-old passenger allegedly left the vehicle when his companion was shot and he was arrested a short time later.
The pursuit and arrest caused road diversions and heavy traffic (traffic alert pictured)
The 33-year-old allegedly fled the petrol station and threatened another man with a screwdriver before stealing his car and dumping it ten kilometres later to steal yet another vehicle.
He was then tracked to the M5 East tunnel just after 11.15am, where he was apprehended and taken to St Vincents Hospital for treatment.
The man faced court on Thursday charged with 22 offences, including driving recklessly, failing to stop ad aggravated assault with intent to take a motor vehicle while armed with a weapon.