Lee County K9 back on duty after being choked during chase

Author: wink news
Published: Updated:

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- A Lee County Sheriff’s K-9 is back on the job after being choked during a police chase.

Friday around 8 p.m., deputies responded to a disturbance call at the Wal-Mart located on the 14800 block of Six Mile Cypress Parkway.

According to deputies, loss prevention associates were struggling with a male suspect, who had attempted to steal two area rugs by switching price tags.

The suspect was later identified as 25-year-old Liferein Bell. The first arriving deputy attempted to handcuff Bell.

Authorities say Bell stated that he was “not going to jail” and continued to struggle with both the deputy and the loss prevention associates. Despite attempts to stop Bell, he was able to flee through the front doors.

Aviation and K-9 deputies were able to track Bell to the area of Jamaica Bay Boulevard and Impala Court.

Authorities encountered Bell, who was hiding in a bush, and ordered him to come out with his hands up. Bell refused and K-9 Kilo attempted to apprehend him. Officials say Bell then wrapped his arms around Kilo’s neck, and pinned Kilo with the full weight of his body.

As deputies attempted to stop Bell, Kilo’s body went limp and the dog passed out. Deputies tried to pull Kilo away, but they say Bell kept holding onto Kilo with his arms around the K-9’s neck. As deputies continued to struggle with Bell, Kilo woke up and bit Bell on his left arm and wrist.

Deputies were then able to restrain Bell and take him into custody. Bell is charged with theft, resisting a merchant and using a deadly weapon on a police animal.

Kilo had a cut to his left eye and nose. Despite some facial swelling, Kilo is back on patrol and ready to serve the citizens of Lee County.

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