FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The K-9 that was shot by a suspect on Wednesday is expected to recover. But what are the consequences of shooting a K-9? A local criminal defense attorney has the answer to that question.

The K-9 named Obie was shot on Wednesday afternoon in Oakhurst by 41-year-old Allen Scott Williams.

"Firing on the police dog is certainly a serious offense and certainly something that he would likely get the book thrown at him for," Mark King, criminal defense attorney said.

Deputies with the Madera County Sheriff's office say Williams was driving a stolen SUV hitting several cars and the owner of the SUV, who was following Williams in another vehicle.

Williams drove through a property, got out of his car and ran.

"K-9 Obie was struck, there was an exchange of gunfire, and the suspect was also struck," Tyson Pogue with the Madera County Sheriff said.

Obie was rushed to the Fresno Veterinary Emergency Room.

King said this is a serious offense.

"Anyone who injures a police dog in California could get up to three years in prison and most likely would get the maximum penalty. Judges would not look fondly on anyone who injures or kills a police dog," King said.

King said Williams could be facing the same charges as someone who opens fire on a police officer.

"If you were simply to fire a police officer in California and miss, you could get up to three years in prison. If you hit the police officer, you could get up to four years in prison and most likely would," King said.

Madera District Attorney Sally Moreno is reviewing the incident.

She said Obie is a hero.

"Obie was doing his job. He may well have saved the deputy's life. And we're very, very glad that everybody came out of this alive," Moreno said.

Before Wednesday, Williams had two warrants out for his arrest in Mariposa for assault with a deadly weapon and violating probation.

"He was arrested, and I believe he's in the custody of the sheriff currently. Those reports will need to get to my office so that we can make a filing decision for charges on him by tomorrow," Moreno said.

The Madera County Sheriff's Office and The District Attorney's Office are still investigating the shooting.