Injured Wake Forest K-9 back on the job

Marcus Antwan Richardson fled from officers trying to serve him with outstanding warrants on March 24. A K-9 handler released his dog, Maverick, to search for Richardson, and another officer coming to help struck the dog with his patrol car.

Maverick's handler, Wake Forrest Officer D. Hess was just a few feet away and said he didn't think the 9-year-old Belgian Malinois would make it. Maverick underwent emergency surgery.

After extensive rehabilitation with a canine orthopedic specialist, Maverick was back on the job on Thursday, police said. He is scheduled to retire in October. 

Maverick has been a member of the Wake Forest Police Department since 2004. In 2009, Maverick helped in seizing more than $21,000 dollars in drug money on a traffic stop.