Attacker Stabs K-9, Is Killed By Deputy
Published: March 23, 2009
CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. —A man who stabbed a police dog early Monday morning and then attacked Citrus County sheriff’s deputies before he was shot to death remains unidentified this morning.
Mito, the sheriff’s dog that was injured in the attack, will recover, deputies said.
The investigation into the bizarre 1 a.m. incident on U.S. 19 in Crystal River continued this morning, deputies said.
The man was jumping in and out of traffic, when deputies arrived. They confronted him, and the man brandished a large knife, deputies said.
Deputies released Mito, a German shepherd, to help apprehend the man, who then stabbed the approaching dog. The man then charged deputies with the knife.
Shots were fired, and the man was killed, deputies said. No one else was injured.
Mito was taken to the Dunnellon Animal Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. The dog suffered a deep stab wound that came within a half-inch of his heart. Mito received 30 internal stitches during the surgery but is expected to make a full recovery, deputies said.
“As far as we know, he is recovering nicely,“ sheriff’s spokeswoman Heather Yates said. “We know they have had him on his feet; he’s walking around. I don’t know if he’s sedated or not.“
Deputies said they had encountered the man earlier in the evening, but he did not appear to be a threat to himself or others. The man’s name is being withheld until next of kin is notified.
U.S. 19 was closed for several hours after the shooting so deputies could investigate the incident. By 9 a.m., the highway was opened.
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Reader Reactions
This is sad very sad. The Bible says in the end time the beast will be more valued than a human being. God I pray for your love to overshadow both the policeman and the victims family.
the mods may not agree but they respect my right to express it, Just as they allow everybody Else’s.
It seems the moderators are not familiar with just what FapFap means.
a dog is a dog is a dog no ifs ands or buts about it. No better no worse than the mutt eating out of a trash bin at Mcdonalds. Just like a cop is no better or worse than your average joe walking down the street. No special treatment is earned or warranted for what they do in life. Now get over yourselves.
hey flap flap k9 dogs r just as much as a officer then the officer them self’s.
they have to go threw everything that the police do. they r needed they help save lives also they are a officer too
This case in Florida sounds as though injury to the K-9 dog and attempt to harm the deputies was due to someone definitely not thinking straight. As a society, we need to figure out how to address the epidemic proportions of cases of serious mental illness. This nbc4i site had a story on how nursing homes are now being overloaded with people suffering with mental illness (aged mid twenties to sixties). Our jails and prisons have increased populations also.
fapfap, you are a miserable person. :) You always have something negative to say. You should change your screen name to flap flap, because you are always flapping your jaws. You always comment on these stories. You have an opinion on everything. Where do you find the time. I like you though., dont take me wrong.
Dogs are great., I have so much respect for k9s and their handlers. I have a german shepard and the loyalty that dog has is not matched by many people. They truely are a good friend to man. I agree we shouldnt waste much money burying police dogs(so see I do agree with fapfap at least partially), but they should get a proper funeral and burial when they die.
My dogs are good friends of mine. I would get mean over my dogs, if someone hurt them out of meanness.
As far as the guy that stabbed the dog, he was obviously mentally ill, he should be given an adequate burial as well. We are getting so numb in this country, to bad things. Cant lose our compassion., or we will lose our countrys soul.
when the dog does croak then lets waste a boatload of cash on pomp and ceremoney for a dog.
Hey the Douche-bag was right my baf.
Sorry, I was referring to FapFap…..and even if he did die they should give him a proper burial!!
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