LASD K-9 recovering and "resting comfortably" after being shot during Compton suspect search

A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department K-9 is recovering and "resting comfortably" Thursday after being shot in Compton on Wednesday. 

Deputies say that it happened around 6:30 p.m., when they were searching for an assault with a deadly weapon suspect who was armed with a handgun in the 100 block of E. Spruce Street. 

At some point, the suspect emerged from hiding and shot the K9 named Kjeld, a search dog for the Special Enforcement Bureau.

Kjeld was rushed to a local animal hospital after the shooting, where he was treated for his injury and was released. Deputies say he was wearing a bulletproof vest, which absorbed the brunt of the gunshot. 

"The heroic actions by K9-Kjeld were crucial in saving the lives of our deputies and even the suspect who shot him, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and dedication," LASD said in a statement.

On social media the sheriff's department said Thursday morning that "K-9 Kjeld is resting comfortably this morning after being shot last night during an LASD SEB SWAT canine operation,"  

The suspect was arrested following the shooting. 

Deputies say that they did not return fire in the incident.