DELTONA, Fla. – A Volusia County sheriff's K-9 was shot and killed Tuesday night in a gun battle between deputies and an armed man who remains on the lam.
The K-9, named Forrest, was shot about 7:15 p.m., while responding to a call about a fleeing suspect in Deltona, Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson said.
Deputies said the man is surrounded in the woods near Vann Park, but he has not been apprehended. Deputies know the man’s identity, but they haven’t released his name.
"He's armed, and he's dangerous," Johnson said.
People in the area of Vann Park were asked to stay inside with their doors locked Tuesday night as investigators searched for the man.
Tuesday’s order of events started in the area of Normandy Boulevard and Hancock Drive, near Vann Park. Deputies were in the area looking into a tip from Crime Stoppers about a wanted fugitive at a home on Wing Terrace.
As investigators lingered outside the house, a man drove by recklessly on a white dirt bike, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release.
When a deputy tried to stop the man, he took off, authorities said. Investigators didn’t go after him, the sheriff said. A short time later, the same man drove by recklessly again, and disappeared again. The dirt bike was later found nearby, according to deputies.
As deputies contacted people inside the house, where they believed the fugitive was, they heard someone jumping over fences, the sheriff said.
Deputies set up a perimeter, and the Sheriff’s Office Air One helicopter spotted the man in a nearby wooded area, officials said. Forrest was tracking the man when the man opened fire, prompting deputies to return fire, according to officials.
It’s unclear whose bullet hit the K-9. Forrest was rushed to DeLand Animal Hospital but couldn’t be saved, officials said.
Two helicopters were involved in the suspect hunt Tuesday night. One was spotted circling with a search light activated. Two flash bangs were also heard.
Winter Park police were among the other agencies assisting the Sheriff’s Office.
hearts go out @VolusiaSheriff for the loss of K-9 Forrest. Hoping for safety of everyone involved & for the suspect to be taken into custody https://t.co/Ip5rdpvddu
— FHP Orlando (@FHPOrlando) November 23, 2016
SCSO extends our sincere condolences to the @VolusiaSheriff for the loss of K-9 Forrest. https://t.co/ucb8isd5DJ
— Seminole County S.O. (@SeminoleSO) November 23, 2016
Condolences to the @VolusiaSheriff as they mourn the loss of K9 Forrest. We will keep his handler and your agency in our thoughts #WMPDPIO
— West Melbourne PD (@WestMelbournePD) November 23, 2016
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