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Died 11/22/16
Deputies search for man in deadly K-9 shooting in Deltona
K-9 officer served Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
People in the area of Vann Park in Deltona were asked to stay inside with their doors locked Tuesday night, as investigators searched for an armed man sought in the deadly shooting of a Volusia County K-9 officer, deputies said.The K-9, named Forest, was shot about 7:15 p.m., while responding to a call about a fleeing suspect, said Sheriff Ben Johnson, with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.That man hasn’t been arrested yet. Just after 10:45 p.m., News 6 reporter Erik Sandoval said an armored vehicle had just passed him, en route to get the man out of a thickly wooded area. The suspect is reportedly surrounded by law enforcement officials. At last check, Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson said deputies had eyes on the man. Officials aren’t sure if he’s injured. Deputies know the man’s identity, but they haven’t released his name. 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. 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 nearby, the sheriff said. Deputies set up a perimeter, and the Sheriff’s Office Air One helicopter spotted the man deputies were seeking, in a nearby wooded area. Forrest was tracking the man when the suspect opened fire, prompting deputies to return fire. It’s unclear whose bullet hit the K-9 during the shooting in Deltona. Forest was rushed to the DeLand Animal Hospital but did not survive, the Sheriff’s Office said. Forest was sniffing out the suspect, while a helicopter searched from above, when the wanted man brandished a firearm and shot at the deputies, who returned fire..Two helicopters were involved in the suspect hunt Tuesday night. One was spotted circling with a search light activated. Two flash bangs were heard, as well. Winter Park police were among the other agencies assisting the Sheriff’s Office. Forest was rushed to DeLand Animal Hospital after the shooting, but the police dog couldn’t be saved.
