Wounded Fresno K9 Makes Remarkable Recovery | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Fresno, CA Reno suffered life-threatening injuries in a gun battle that also left the suspect dead and two deputies with minor injuries.

Reno has been released from a Fresno animal hospital. His handler arrived Wednesday evening and took the animal home.

Reno made a remarkable and quick recovery after being shot near his left eye Tuesday. Investigators accuse the suspect of shooting Reno.

Wednesday more was learned about the moments Reno and three others were shot.

"When I hear the shots, I turned like this," said Tiso Medina as he described what he witnessed.

Medina saw Deputy George Ozburn being dragged towards his transmission shop. She said another deputy placed Ozburn right in front of him. "Me and the other two ladies helped to do pressure."

The pressure helped slow Ozburn's bleeding. His friend, Pisano, then recited a prayer over Deputy Ozburn hoping he would survive.

Sheriff Margret Mims thanked several citizens for helping the man.

On Tuesday morning, deputies came to Jerry's Tire Shop for a domestic disturbance. The Sheriff said Jesus Serna started firing his weapon as soon as deputies arrived. Deputy Ozburn was injured by bullet fragments and glass. Officers eventually shot and killed Serna.

Sheriff Mims described the 32-year-old as a man ready to kill. "I took a look at his history. It has been for violent crimes. I will let you do your research on what all of those were."

Action News searched court documents and found only one violent case. Serna was charged in June 2002 for injuring his spouse. But one year later, the District Attorney's Office dropped the charges because of a lack of evidence

Investigators also blame Serna for shooting Reno the K-9 deputy in the eye. Reno remains in the hospital. He is recovering and even moving around.

Medina said if he could do it all over again, he would help any officer in need. "They protect the people, so why not protect the cop when they are shot."

Serna is related to the people who own Jerry's Tire Shop. One of Serna's family members Action News the man suffered from a mental illness.

His family has declined to be interviewed.