EAST VALINDA — A  man with suspected gang ties was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats and parole violations following a search Friday, authorities said.
Alejandro Melendrez, 27, underwent surgery and remained hospitalized Saturday after being bit by a police dog during his arrest, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Sgt. Dwight Miley said. His city of residency was not available, but he was believed to have tied to an East Valinda street gang.
The incident began about 1:20 p.m. when deputies spotted Melendrez, a parolee who was wanted by sheriff’s gang detectives on suspicion of making terrorist threats, inside a car in the 200 block of Sandalwood Street in East Valinda, Lt. Steven Katz said.
When deputies approached, Melendrez allegedly fled and hid in a nearby garage, Katz said.
When Melendrez refused to surrender, the lieutenant said, sheriff’s went in with a police dog and arrested him.
He suffered a “significant” dog bite during the arrest, Miley added.
Melendrez was being held without bail, officials said. Information on his initial court date was not available.