Connect with us

Southeast

Florida K-9 dies after being shot while protecting deputies from ‘armed criminal’: sheriff

Published

on

Florida K-9 dies after being shot while protecting deputies from ‘armed criminal’: sheriff

Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus get unlimited access to thousands of articles, videos and more with your free account!

Please enter a valid email address.

By entering your email, you are agreeing to Fox News Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided.

A Florida K-9 officer died of his injuries after being shot in a confrontation over the weekend while protecting deputies from a violent criminal suspect, authorities said Tuesday.

K-9 Leo suffered critical injuries on Saturday when he “fearlessly charged” a “violent, armed criminal” who was threatening deputies with a gun in the backyard of a residence in Silver Springs, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said.

Advertisement

“During the confrontation, this evil person shot K-9 Leo as Leo was responding to protect his handler and the other deputies,” Sheriff Billy Woods said. “Leo did exactly what he was trained to do … and that is to fearlessly defend and protect those deputies.”

Leo, a Belgian Malinois who served the sheriff’s office for three years, was struck in an area that his bullet-proof vest did not cover, FOX13 Tampa reported. 

GEORGIA STATE TROOPER KILLED WHILE INVESTIGATING CRASH ON I-75

K-9 Leo served the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for three years. (Marion County Sheriff’s Office)

The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Jeremy Bradsher, was killed after deputies returned fire.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Leo was rushed to University of Florida Veterinary Hospital in Gainesville.

K-9 Leo and K-9 Cpl. Justin Tortora

K-9 Leo’s handler, Cpl. Justin Tortora never left his partner’s side as the canine fought for his life, officials said. (Marion County Sheriff’s Office)

K-9 Corporal Justin Tortora never left his partner’s side as Leo fought for his life over the next four days, the sheriff’s office told the station.

WIFE OF BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA POLICE OFFICER KILLED IN SHOOTING REVEALS MOMENT SHE ‘KNEW HE WAS GONE’

While Leo kept his “fighting spirit,” the K-9’s injuries were “too severe to overcome” and he died on Tuesday morning, the sheriff said. 

K-9 Leo

Marion County K-9 officer Leo died Tuesday after a suspect shot him over the weekend. (Marion County Sheriff’s Office)

“Most of you do not know the unique bond that develops between the law enforcement K9 and their handler,” Woods said. “That bond is what binds them to some extraordinary levels of loyalty, love, and unwavering determination.”

Advertisement

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The sheriff’s office thanked the community for its support. No details about a service for K-9 Leo were immediately provided.

Read the full article from Here

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Southeast

Florida man allegedly attempted to 'club' wife, stab himself in the heart on Christmas Day

Published

on

Florida man allegedly attempted to 'club' wife, stab himself in the heart on Christmas Day

A Florida man was arrested on Christmas Day after allegedly attempting to kill his wife and himself in a murder-suicide, according to police reports.

Jonathan McPhee, 78, faces a first-degree attempted murder charge after he allegedly attacked his wife and then called 911 at the couple’s home on Pine Cone Way.

McPhee told the dispatcher, “I clubbed her, and I’m going to try to stab myself in the heart,” according to a legal document obtained by People Magazine.

OHIO GIRL, 7, BEGGED HER DAD NOT TO KILL HER AFTER MURDER-SUICIDE THREAT: ‘I DON’T WANT TO GO TO HEAVEN TODAY’

A Florida man was arrested on Christmas Day after allegedly attempting to kill his wife, according to police reports. (iStock)

Advertisement

When Largo Police Department officers arrived, they found McPhee had stabbed himself and his wife had suffered blunt-force trauma. 

They were both transported to a local hospital, where they are in critical condition.

“While being attended to by medical staff, the defendant spontaneously stated, ‘Just let me die, I killed (redacted),” according to an arrest report.

SCOTT PETERSON ARREST MONTHS AFTER LACI DISAPPEARED CHRISTMAS EVE MAY HAVE BEEN STRATEGIC: FORMER HOMICIDE COP

Prison-Bars

Jonathan McPhee, 78, faces an attempted murder charge after he allegedly attacked his wife and then called 911 at the couple’s home on Pine Cone Way. (iStock)

He also sent a text to his wife’s daughter saying he “killed” her and was going to kill himself because of “financial and health issues,” the report said.

Advertisement

He allegedly went on to detail how he would like the funeral arrangements and life insurance to be handled.

This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available currently.

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Southeast

Florida law will create safety barrier for first responders

Published

on

Florida law will create safety barrier for first responders

A new law in Florida will support the need to keep first responders safe while working a call.

Senate Bill 184 will go into effect on Jan. 1 and will prohibit a person, after receiving a warning, from approaching a first responder engaged in the lawful performance of their job.

The law is aimed at helping police, fire and EMS personnel stay focused while performing critical first aid.

FLORIDA LAW BANNING HOMELESS PEOPLE FROM SLEEPING IN PUBLIC OUTDOOR SPACES TAKES EFFECT

A new Florida law will keep first responders safe by prohibiting a person from approaching any police, fire or EMS personnel while working on a call. (Delray Beach Police Department)

Advertisement

It will create a 25-foot barrier around the responder, keeping the public at bay. It also includes keeping the public from threatening and harassing the responders while they are trying to do their jobs.

Violators will receive a warning initially, but could face criminal penalties if they don’t heed it.

NEW FLORIDA LAW ESTABLISHES SAFE SPACE IN SHERIFF’S OFFICE PARKING LOTS FOR CHILD CUSTODY EXCHANGES

People who approach a first responder on the job will initially receive a warning, but could face a fine and up to 60 days in jail.

People who approach a first responder on the job will initially receive a warning, but could face a fine and up to 60 days in jail. (iStock)

The new law comes with a penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

The bill also outlines that a violator could face a second-degree misdemeanor.

Advertisement

Flood rescue in Mamaroneck, New York

The law considers first responders to be law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. (REUTERS/Mike Segar)

It also specifies the definition of “first responder” to include law enforcement officers, a correctional probation officer, firefighters and emergency medical care providers.

Read the full article from Here

Continue Reading

Southeast

Louisiana hunter cited for violations after shooting man he mistook for a deer

Published

on

Louisiana hunter cited for violations after shooting man he mistook for a deer

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reiterating the importance of hunting safety after a man was shot by a hunter who mistook him for a deer.

Law enforcement agents responded to a shooting involving two hunters on property in Zachary, a city in East Baton Rouge Parish, on Dec. 23, the department said on Facebook.

The two hunters were unknowingly hunting deer on the “same small private property” when one hunter mistook the other for a deer and accidentally shot him.

Both men had permission to be on the property, according to local media.

FORMER CENTRAL MICHIGAN QUARTERBACK TOMMY LAZZARO, 27, KILLED IN HUNTING ACCIDENT

Advertisement

A Louisiana hunter was cited for two violations after accidentally shooting another hunter, who he mistook for a deer, while they were both on the same “small” property, according to the state’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. (iStock)

He was hit with buckshot from a 20-gauge shotgun, the agency said. The shooter immediately called 911 for help once he realized he had shot a man and not a deer.

The wounded hunter was airlifted to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge with non-fatal injuries. Law enforcement did not state where the man was shot.

hunting rifle on iStock

The hunter accidentally shot a man with buckshot from a 20-gauge shotgun. (iStock)

SIX ‘WINNERS’ OF LOUISIANA STATE-RUN HOG HUNTING CONTEST ACCUSED OF CHEATING, FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES

When law enforcement investigated what took place, they discovered neither hunter was wearing orange or had deer tags in their possession. The shooter was cited for both violations.

Advertisement

LDWF said additional charges are possible as the investigation remains active.

The agency reminded all hunters to prioritize safety by always wearing orange, which is required by law, and positively identifying your target and surroundings before firing your weapon.

It is required by law to wear orange or pink when hunting deer during gun season in Louisiana.

It is required by law to wear orange or pink when hunting deer during gun season in Louisiana. (iStock)

“Let’s work together to prevent incidents like this and ensure everyone enjoys the outdoors safely,” LDWF said.

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending