TULSA, Okla. — An 85-year-old Vietnam War veteran is recovering after a Tulsa police K-9 bit him at a funeral for a fallen Creek County deputy Wednesday.
A family member contacted 2 News Oklahoma with details of the incident, saying her father was attacked by the police dog during the service and had to be rushed to Saint Francis Hospital by ambulance.
She shared a photo with 2 News.
WATCH: 85-year-old Vietnam veteran bitten by TPD K-9 at Creek County deputy's funeral
"Dad stood up with the dog still latched on," the man's daughter said.
When 2 News reached out to Tulsa police for answers, they acknowledged the incident and said the K-9's been with the department for less than a year and had not attended community events.
Police said the dog spends most of its time training for enforcement activities.
Tulsa police said they typically do not have K9s at funerals, but since the deputy was a K-9 handler, this was a special circumstance.
"The whole event was atypical for the dog and contributed to the situation," Captain Richard Meulenberg said.
When asked what specifically caused the dog's reaction, he could not say, but said all of their dogs are under constant evaluation.
2 News tried calling the injured veteran directly but hasn't been able to reach him.
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