JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A teenage boy was arrested after he shot and killed a Jacksonville Sheriff's Office K-9 during a chase that stemmed from an armed carjacking early Sunday, police announced Monday.
Jhamel Paskel, 17, is charged with killing a police dog, armed carjacking and two counts of kidnapping.
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At a news conference Monday afternoon, Sheriff's Office Lt. Craig Waldrup said that Paskel admitted to the carjacking and killing JSO K-9 Fang.
It started about 2:30 a.m. Sunday at the 7-Eleven gas station on Lem Turner Road, just south of Interstate 295.
According to police, Paskel, who was wearing a camo mask and carrying a black handgun, approached two women sitting in a red four-door sedan at a gas pump and made one of them drive as he held her at gunpoint.
Amanda Gears said she was in the driver's seat.
"He pulled a gun out and told me to drive -- drive normal," Gears said. "We went down a dark road away from street lights."
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A short distance later, police said, Paskel ordered the women out of the car and kept driving.
The car had OnStar, which allowed police to track the vehicle. As officers chased the car, OnStar shut off the engine at Interstate 10 and Cecil Commerce Center Parkway -- about 18 miles away from the gas station.
At that point, Waldrup said, Paskel got out of the car and as he ran off, one of the officers released his service dog, K-9 Fang.
Police said Paskel fatally shot Fang with a 9 mm handgun and continued running into a wooded area, where was taken down by another service dog and his officer.
According to state of Florida statutes, killing a law enforcement canine is a third-degree felony charge that carries a prison sentence of up to five years.
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When asked Monday afternoon how Fang's handler was doing, Waldrup said he was upset.
"The officers and their dogs are very close, so it's very upsetting to him," Waldrup said.
Fang was about 3 years old and had been working with the officer for about two years.
At last check, the Sheriff's Office was still working on plans to remember the service dog.
Rest In Peace #JSO K-9 FANG.
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) September 30, 2018
K-9 FANG played a vital roll keeping everyone safe at special events and football games. He has captured some of the most dangerous criminals in #JAX. We will miss you, FANG. You are gone but will not be forgotten.
End of Watch 09-30-2018 pic.twitter.com/mr4G9tAaAN