Argo, a K-9 in the Fresno Police Department, was stabbed multiple times but heroically saved an officer’s life, according to police.

On April 10, as police attempted to detain suspect Carlos Castanos, Argo chased him down and latched onto his arm by biting him. Castanos stabbed Argo six times and moved towards officers but was neutralized by one of the officer’s stun guns. He then dropped the knife and was apprehended.

Lt. Tim Tietjen said that police received a call that a woman was being held by Castanos against her will. Officers surrounded the home in the 1800 block of West Brown Avenue and made contact with Castanos in front of the house, prompting the suspect to run to the back of the house and jump a fence. Castanos, who had a warrant out for his arrest and a history of violent behavior, ignored officers’ orders to stop, and that’s when Argo was able to prevent his escape.

“The K-9 saved the officer’s life,” Tietjen said. “If the K-9 wasn’t present, that guy would’ve been able to move towards the officer and stab (him.) They were in close proximity.”

The Fresno Bee reported that Argo suffered laceration wounds to his back and left eye, as well as a bite from a pit bull, and was taken to a local pet ER where he underwent surgery. Argo, who has been in the department for 2 years, is expected to recover.

A Fresno police Twitter post read, “Through the entire incident K-9 Argo stayed engaged and did his job to the best of his K-9’s ability, protecting his handler and other officers.”

Castanos was booked into Fresno County Jail on multiple charges including assault on a police officer, warrants to face charges of burglary, evading a police officer and domestic violence.