Police fatally shoot teenager after death of K9 officer
Luke Gentile
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A Georgia teenager was shot and killed by police after he allegedly fired at them and killed a K9 officer, authorities said.
The incident occurred Saturday about 1:46 a.m. when officers from the Clayton County Police Department responded to an assistance call from the City of Jonesboro regarding suspicious activity at a local hotel, according to a release from the Clayton County Police Department.
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“Upon arrival, our officers assisted with an ongoing investigation regarding a suspect that took flight from the location on foot. A Clayton County Police K9 was deployed into the nearby wood line where the suspect was last seen,” the release read. “The police K9 alerted on the suspect in the wood line and officers subsequently issued verbal commands for the suspect to surrender.”
“The suspect, later identified as seventeen-year-old Stephon Ford, produced a handgun and began firing in the direction of officers.”
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Waro, the K9 officer, was fatally struck and later died at a local animal hospital, the release noted.
After Waro was shot, authorities regrouped and called for additional units, Assistant Chief of Police Bruce Parks said.
“Several hours went by, we then got information that the suspect, Mr. Ford’s family lived nearby,” he said.
Officers went to that location and combed the local area until Ford was discovered by police, who told Ford to put his gun down.
“He pointed it at our officers, and we had to take a couple of shots, and, basically, the suspect succumbed to his injuries,” Parks said.
The Clayton County Police Department remembered Waro in a memorial post to Facebook.
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“The Clayton County Police Department Family is mourning the loss of one of our K-9’s – Waro,” the post read.
“During his time of service with our Department, he has worked diligently to keep the citizens of this County and our officers safe. K-9 Waro is being recognized for his heroism and selflessness as he gave his life protecting others. He was loved by many and will be sorely missed. Thank you for your service Waro, we have it from here. Rest well buddy, you’ve earned your wings.”