Florida K-9 dog Leo dies of his injuries after being shot during a confrontation while protecting deputies from a violent suspect

TAMPA, FLORIDA: A Florida K-9 officer succumbed to his injuries after being shot during a confrontation over the weekend while protecting deputies from a violent criminal suspect, authorities said on Tuesday, February 20.

K-9 Leo suffered critical injuries on Saturday, February 17, 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.

Leo served the sheriff's office for three years

"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, adding "Leo did exactly what he was trained to do … and that is to fearlessly defend and protect those deputies."

According to Fox13 Tampa, 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. The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Jeremy Bradsher, was killed after deputies returned fire. Meanwhile, Leo was rushed to University of Florida Veterinary Hospital in Gainesville.

K-9 Corporal Justin Tortora never left Leo's side 

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. While Leo kept his "fighting spirit," the K-9’s injuries were "too severe to overcome" and he died on Tuesday morning, February 20, the sheriff said. 

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

Leo loved people, especially children

Aside from K-9 Leo’s law enforcement duties, he was the K-9 unit’s top dog for community events. He loved people, especially children. "He will never be forgotten, and he will stay in the hearts of all of us in the sheriff’s office," Valerie Strong, MCSO public information officer said.

Illinois K-9 dog Nyx dies after being fatally shot in the line of duty

Meaww previously reported that an Illinois police K-9 dog was fatally shot in line of duty on Sunday, January 28, while chasing a suspect who fled from officers, authorities said.

In a news release, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office said that K-9 Nyx of the Rockford Police Department and her handler, Officer Vargas, located a suspect who was wanted in connection with an earlier domestic situation.

The suspect, identified as Malik Trotter, had gotten into an argument with a woman at an apartment and left with her phone, prosecutors said. The victim’s son then heard three gunshots before Trotter left the area.

When Nyx and Vargas tried to stop Trotter, the suspect fled and jumped a fence. The K-9 and officer chased after him, though Nyx caught up with Trotter first. Vargas heard three gunshots as he got closer and found Nyx lying next to a residence with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

The officer then spotted Trotter across the street where authorities said the suspect opened fire. Vargas returned fire and struck Trotter in the leg before ultimately taking him into custody. Trotter was treated at the scene before paramedics rushed him to a hospital. Nyx, however, was pronounced dead a short time later.