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Hernando Today

Sheriff's Office: K-9 Attack On Handler 'Unprovoked'

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: February 9, 2009

RIDGE MANOR - A 19-year veteran of the sheriff's K-9 squad is recovering from hand surgery after he was attacked by another handler's police dog.

The attack happened around 10 a.m. Saturday as deputies Chris Erickson and John Gore prepared for a demonstration at the Ridge Manor Community Center.

For an unknown reason, Gore's dog, Tracer, lunged at Erickson and bit down on his arm, according to the sheriff's office. As Erickson pulled the dog off his arm, Tracer bit down again on the deputy's right hand and ring finger.

Erickson, 45, was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa for surgery by a hand specialist. He's recuperating at home now.

Sgt. Donna Black, sheriff's spokeswoman, said the attack was unprovoked and it's not known what led Tracer to attack.

The only theory is that Tracer bit the deputy because Erickson was carrying the scent of his dog. Tracer and Erickson's dog had a "dispute" in the past, Black said.

Tracer, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, has been with the sheriff's office for three years. Because of this incident, he will retire and live at home with Gore, according to the sheriff's office.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com

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