K-9 dies from his injuries after being shot in the line of duty

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB/Gray News) - Deputies in Florida are mourning the loss of a K-9 deputy who was fatally shot while responding to a domestic incident.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods released a video Tuesday afternoon announcing the death of 6-year-old K-9 Leo. The dog was shot by a suspect as deputies were following up on a domestic violence case in Silver Springs. He was rushed to the UF Animal Hospital, where he received emergency treatment, but he didn’t make it.

Deputies say as they arrived on scene Saturday morning, the suspect, 44-year-old Jeremy Bradsher, shot at them from his yard, hitting Leo. They returned fire, striking and killing Bradsher, WCJB reports.

The K-9 was wearing a bulletproof vest at the time of the shooting, but he was struck somewhere not covered by the vest.

Woods says Leo kept his fighting spirit until the end, but his injuries were too severe to overcome.

“I would ask that in the coming days, weeks and months, that you keep our K-9 team in your thoughts and prayers,” he said. “They are going to need it. ... Here in Marion County, we work together to make this the great place that it is. But that community bond just seems to shine so much more brightly during dark times.”

Lt. Paul Bloom with the sheriff’s office asks everyone to think about Leo’s family in particular. The dog’s handler was K-9 Cpl. Justin Tortora.

“They go home with them everyday, they go on vacation with them, they spend their lives with them,” Bloom said. “Anyone that’s a dog owner and you’ve had your dog injured or sick, you understand the concern, going through all these emotions.”

Bloom says Leo was purchased through community donations about three years ago. He was sworn in by the sheriff’s officed in February 2021.

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