MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A Marion County Sheriff’s Office K-9 was shot and injured after responding to a suspected battery incident Saturday morning, officials said.
At around 9 a.m., deputies — including K-9 “Leo” — responded to a report of a suspect accused of battery by strangulation on NE 144th Court in Silver Springs.
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Deputies said they located the suspect in the backyard, and he started shooting toward them. As a result, K-9 Leo was injured.
According to MCSO, deputies returned fire and apprehended the suspect. However, he had to be transported to the hospital where he later died.
Leo was rushed to the UF Veterinary Hospital, where professionals are doing everything possible to save him, deputies said.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page said that Leo is in stable condition.