A man bit a police dog after injuring a woman with an ax and barricading himself inside his home for hours Thursday morning, according to Rio Rancho Police.

Rio Rancho Police Officer Jonathan Hickerson poses with Diesel in 2018. File photo.

RRPD Capt. Andrew Rodriguez said officers were called to Rio West mobile-home park in the 700 block of Grand Ridge Court to handle a report of an altercation between a man and a woman. The man, Chris Gavaldon, had used an ax to batter the woman, causing “significant injury” to her hand, Rodriguez said.

He said officers got medical treatment for the woman, but Gavaldon barricaded himself inside his home. Officers called the SWAT team, and State Police came to help.

After a few hours of negotiation, Gavaldon came out briefly.

“He wasn’t being cooperative with us,” Rodriguez said.

So, officers deployed RRPD canine Diesel, who bit and apprehended Gavaldon.

“The man also bit the dog,” Rodriguez said. “… The bite didn’t break his skin, but he’ll be on antibiotics for a bit.”

A veterinarian checked Diesel, prescribed the medicine and cleared him to return to patrol with his handler.

Gavaldon is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a felony. Police are still investigating, which means Gavaldon could face more charges.