A Surrey man faces charges after a police dog was injured during an arrest. The K9 recovered the weapon and is expected to fully heal.
A Routine Call That Escalated Fast
At first, the call sounded routine. However, events quickly spiraled. On August 4, 2025, RCMP officers responded to reports of two people stealing from a vehicle in Surrey’s 16900 block of 86A Avenue. As a result, police moved in swiftly. When one suspect fled on foot, officers turned to a trusted partner for help—a police dog named Lotto.
K9 Lotto Leads the Search
Soon after, Lotto, part of the RCMP’s Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service, picked up the suspect’s trail. Meanwhile, the suspect ran into a wooded area, hoping to avoid capture. Instead, the search tightened. Then, during the pursuit, the situation turned dangerous. Police say the suspect slashed Lotto with a knife in an attempt to escape.
A Critical Moment in the Arrest
Despite the attack, the arrest continued. In fact, the moment stunned even seasoned officers. As the scene unfolded, Lotto emerged from the wooded area holding a knife in his mouth. At that point, his handler realized the dog had been injured. According to police, the knife Lotto carried was the same weapon used during the assault.
Dog Injured but Recovering
Thankfully, Lotto’s injuries were treatable. The dog suffered cuts to his neck and ear area. Shortly after, veterinarians stitched the wounds. Because of the quick response, Lotto was expected to make a full recovery. Meanwhile, police praised the K9’s courage and training, noting that his actions helped bring the incident to a safe conclusion.
Charges Laid Against Surrey Man
Following the arrest, investigators laid charges against Travis Jeremy Muranaka, 48. Prosecutors allege he wilfully maimed a law enforcement animal. In addition, he faces charges of theft and two counts of possessing stolen property under $5,000. As the investigation continued, more allegations surfaced.
Additional Allegations Emerge
Separately, Muranaka is accused of theft over $5,000 related to a May 2 incident in Surrey. Furthermore, police allege he breached court conditions twice on November 18. Notably, those alleged breaches occurred the same day he was released on $150 bail.
Court Date Set
Meanwhile, a second suspect was arrested nearby. However, no charges have been laid against that individual so far. Looking ahead, Muranaka is scheduled to appear in Surrey court on January 23. Overall, the case highlights the real dangers faced by police service dogs and the critical role they play in keeping communities safe.
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