UPDATE: February 12, 2013
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-- The man accused of shooting and killing a Leon County Sheriff's Office K-9 has been booked into the Leon County Jail, according to Wednesday's Daily Booking Report.
Carlos Manuel Cespedes, the suspect, is accused of shooting K-9 Koda during a shootout on Thursday, January 31. Cespedes reportedly led deputies on a high speed chase before pulling out a gun and firing at them, and Koda was caught in the crossfire. Cespedes was also shot and taken to a local hospital.
Deputies initially tried to stop Cespedes vehicle after he allegedly shot at a man who'd reportedly slept with his girlfriend, according to a law enforcement report.
Cespedes faces several charges from the incident, including the following: attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, assaulting a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, fleeing from a law enforcement officer, killing a police dog, and resisting an officer with violence. He also faces a charge because he violated his probation.
According to the Leon County Clerk of Court, Cespedes has an $85,000 bond based on the bulk of his charges -- mainly those stemming from the high speed chase and shootout with deputies.
A memorial service was held for Koda on Friday, February 8. Several law enforcement officers were in attendance.
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 1, 2013
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A K-9 Unit was shot to death during a Thursday night shooting, according to Leon County Sheriff's officials.
Around 8:42 p.m., deputies spotted a suspect, 31-year-old Carlos Manuel Cespedes, in the area of North Monroe Street and Fred George Road. Cespedes was wanted on charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm from a vehicle.
These charges stem from another shooting that happened earlier on January 31. Tallahassee police say Cespedes shot a man in the forearm; the man was reportedly having a sexual relationship with Cespedes' girlfriend.
When deputies attempted to stop Cespedes and arrest him for these charges, he sped off in a silver vehicle. Deputies followed him to 2115 Seminole Drive. That's where LCSO officials say Cespedes got out and began shooting at the responding deputies.
K-9 Deputy Ron McMullen, deployed his partner “Koda,” who was shot.
In response, Mcmullen and another deputy, Tyler Epstein, began firing at Cespedes. He was shot in the head. No other injuries was reported.
After the incident, Koda died at a local animal hospital. He was a 5 ½ year old German shepherd who had served with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office since 2008.
Sheriff Larry Campbell said, “Last night the Leon County Sheriff's Office lost a valuable member of the agency. LCSO K-9 'Koda' was killed while protecting his partner, Deputy McMullen and other deputies from an armed violent fugitive. 'Koda' was a fearless and loyal partner. He was trained to serve and protect, and that is exactly what he did.”
Epstein and McMcullen are on administrative leave, without pay, until an internal investigation is completed. This is standard Leon County Sheriff's Office policy whenever a suspect is shot by law enforcement.
The suspect, Cespedes, was taken the emergency room after the shooting. When he is released, he will be transported to the Leon County Jail.
POSTED JANUARY 31, 11:14 P.M.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- A shoot out between deputies and a man wanted for attempted murder happened Thursday night on Seminole Drive and Magnolia. According to the Leon County Sheriff's Office deputies spotted Carlos Manuel Cespedes who is wanted for attempted murder, at N. Monroe and Fred George St. The deputies tried to stop him but he led them on a chase ending at Seminole Drive and Magnolia.
Deputies say Cespedes got out of the vehicle and began firing at them. Cespedes allegedly shot and killed the K-9 dog named Koda. Deputies returned fire and hit him. Cespedes has been taken to a local hospital.
No human deputies were injured.
Stay tuned for more information.
