Border Patrol K9 bites Las Cruces woman on morning run

LAS CRUCES - A Border Patrol K9 who got away from its handler allegedly attacked a Las Cruces woman on her morning run Tuesday.

Shaharazad Booth, attorney for the woman, stated on Friday that her client is continuing to receive treatment for her wounds.

Fidel Baca, a spokesman for the Border Patrol El Paso Sector, which oversees New Mexico, confirmed a dog bite incident.

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"The canine has been temporarily removed from service during the investigation," he said, but declined to comment further.

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The K9 was allegedly unleashed and sitting inside of a Border Patrol vehicle parked in the driveway of his handler's home. The dog allegedly chased down a woman who ran by and bit her upper left thigh, causing two puncture wounds and massive bruising.

The woman and her family intend to file claims against the United States Border Patrol, Booth said. Also, Booth said, her client is concerned about what will happen to the K9 and his handler.

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Bethany Freudenthal can be reached at bfreudenthal@lcsun-news.com, 575-541-5449 or @bethanyfreuden1 on Twitter.