A Madera County man was apprehended by a sheriff’s K9 after allegedly assaulting a truck owner with a shovel during a stolen vehicle incident, authorities said.

Deputies responded Wednesday morning to reports of a stolen Freightliner and an assault near Avenue 9 and Road 30.

The truck, reported stolen on Monday, was found stuck in a field. When the owner confronted the suspects, one reportedly tried to strike him with a shovel before both fled on foot.

California Highway Patrol officers arrested Eliza Martinez, 37, while Sean Deanda, 32, ran into a nearby orchard. Deputies established a perimeter and called in K9 Deputy Eliza Hernandez and her canine partner, Canelo, to assist in the search.

Deanda was found hiding inside a building on Avenue 10 ½. After multiple announcements asking the suspect to surrender, Canelo was deployed and bit Deanda in the lower leg during the arrest.

He was treated on scene by emergency personnel and later transported to Madera Community Hospital. No deputies were injured.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.