MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A suspect accused of battery died after being shot Saturday morning in an exchange of gunfire with Marion County deputies, wounding a K-9 in the process, according to a news release.
Deputies responded around 9 a.m. to the 900 block of NE 144th Court, near Silver Springs, regarding a suspect accused of battery by strangulation, the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
The suspect — later identified as 44-year-old Jeremy Bradsher — was located in the backyard and “initiated gunfire” toward deputies, injuring a K-9 named Leo, according to the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office said deputies returned fire and soon apprehended the Bradsher. He was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital, the release states.
Leo was taken to the UF Veterinary Hospital where “everything possible” was done to save him, according to the release. The K-9 was stable with good vitals at last check, the sheriff’s office said.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has since responded to investigate the shooting, according to the sheriff’s office.
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