“The overall situation is tragic:” Georgia teen Stephon Ford, 17, is shot and killed after firing a gun at the K-9 police dog during a car chase following reports of “suspicious activity”
- A Clayton Police Department K9 dog was shot and killed Saturday by a teenage suspect who evaded police. Authorities say his weapon was defective
- The 17-year-old, whom police had tried to arrest hours earlier, also died after being shot by police.
- Clayton assistant police chief Bruce Parks told reporters, “The overall situation is tragic. We hate it.’
A teenager on the run from Georgia police died Saturday after fatally shooting a police dog, police say.
Stephon Ford, 17, died in a shootout with law enforcement officers hours after members of the Jonesboro Police Department were called to investigate “suspicious activity” taking place at a hotel.
Once on scene, officers found Ford and two other men, as well as marijuana and weapons. The other two men were arrested, but Ford fled and remained on the run for about eight hours.
Eventually, Ford encountered a wooded area. The Clayton Police Department was then called to assist in the search and sent K-9 Officer Waro to track down the teen.
When Ford was located, he reportedly refused to follow the officers’ orders and began firing in the direction of the officers, hitting Waro in the back.
Stephon Ford, 17, was shot and killed in a police shootout after shooting at officers, killing a police dog
K9 officers Waro were shot dead on Saturday as Ford reportedly tried to evade arrest
The two-year-old dog was rushed to an animal hospital, where he died of his injuries. No other officers were injured.
Ford refused several times to let officers see his hands before someone shot and killed him.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, “Ford had a gun in his hand when he was shot.”
“When the gun was inspected, it was found that it malfunctioned when fired,” authorities said of the teen’s gun.
The GBI is leading the investigation into the shooting.
The department will continue the independent investigation into the shooting and once the investigation is complete, the results will be turned over to the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office for review.
It was the 66th shooting involving an officer that the GBI had to investigate this year.
At a news conference, Clayton Assistant Chief of Police Bruce Parks told reporters, “The overall situation is tragic. We hate it.’
“We never want something like this to happen. We try to use all our training and experience to make it an easy solution, but this is not easy for us. It’s not easy for the suspect’s family.’
Just last month, police announced that a protective bullet and stab-resistant vest had been ordered for Waro as a result of a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
However, the K9 officers never got a chance to put on the protective gear.
At a news conference, Clayton Assistant Chief of Police Bruce Parks told reporters, “The overall situation is tragic. We hate it’
K-9 Waro is recognized for his heroism and selflessness as he gave his life to protect others. He was loved by many and will be sorely missed,” Clayton Police said.
In the wake of his death, the Georgia Police K9 Foundation wrote, “Waro was shot dead while on duty while attempting to apprehend a suspect. Thoughts and prayers with all involved.
K9 Waro was a two-year-old male German Shepherd born in Slovakia and trained in patrol and detection via Tarheel Canine before being matched with his handler. He worked for the Clayton County Police Department.”