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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Tragic Loss of K-9 Leo
The Marion County Sheriff’s K-9, Leo, who was tragically shot on Saturday, has sadly passed away. The brave Belgian Malinois, aged just 4 years old, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning at UF Veterinary Hospital in Gainesville.
Leo, born in March 2019, was a cherished member of the Sheriff’s K-9 unit. Acquired through generous citizen donations, Leo underwent rigorous training starting in September 2020 and completed his training in February 2021. He was partnered with Cpl. Justin Tortora, who handled him on the road.
Sheriff Billy Woods expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support in a heartfelt Facebook post. He commended Leo for his fearless actions in the line of duty, stating, “Leo did exactly what he was trained to do…to fearlessly defend and protect those deputies. To charge directly at danger.”
A Brave Stand Against Danger
During the fateful incident on February 19th, Leo courageously confronted an armed assailant who was threatening deputies. In a selfless act of heroism, Leo charged at the gunman, who retaliated by shooting him before deputies could intervene.
The shooting took place in the 900 block of Northeast 144th Court in Silver Springs, a quiet neighbourhood with a mix of mobile homes and site-built residences. The deputies had responded to a call regarding a case of battery by strangulation.
The suspect, later identified as Jeremy Bradsher, was hit in the exchange of gunfire and subsequently succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. He was 44 years old. Bradsher did not have a criminal record in the local area.
Investigation and Review Process
Following the incident, the three deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave, as per standard protocol. The investigation has been handed over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for an impartial inquiry.
FDLE agents will conduct thorough interviews and gather evidence, including a toxicology report, before presenting their findings to the State Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors will then review the report to ascertain the justification of the deputies’ actions.
The Sheriff’s office will also conduct an internal review to determine compliance with agency policies, while a shooting review board will assess the case independently. Defense attorney Jimmie Sparrow is representing one of the deputies involved in the incident.
Past Incidents and Community Response
Over the years, there have been 12 deputy-involved shootings in Marion County, with nine of them resulting in fatalities. The most recent shooting prior to this incident occurred on December 31, involving a 41-year-old man who pointed a gun at deputies.
The community has rallied behind the Sheriff’s K-9 unit, mourning the loss of Leo and acknowledging the unique bond between K-9 officers and their handlers. Sheriff Woods has requested continued support for the K-9 team during this challenging time.
As the investigation unfolds and the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, thoughts and prayers are extended to all those affected by the tragic events.
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