At approximately 1:05 PM today, May 4, Orange County Deputy Sheriff Jeff McCowen and his K-9 partner Kai were assisting with the apprehension of Deandre Ford, in Winter Garden. Ford, who was wanted on warrants for robbery and cocaine possession, had attempted to hide under a bed when deputies entered the residence to apprehend him. After ignoring several requests to surrender D/S McCowen released Kai in an effort to facilitate the apprehension of Ford. The suspect, who had armed himself with a large butcher-type knife, was taken into custody with a dog bite.
As the suspect was being secured D/S McCowen noticed that his dog was bleeding badly from the mouth. It was unclear at that time whether Kai had been cut or if had broken a tooth while apprehending the felony suspect. D/S McCowen immediately loaded his injured partner into his vehicle and transported him to the Lake Underhill Animal Hospital at 4900 Lake Underhill Road for examination and treatment.
The examination revealed that Kai had received a cut to his mouth while apprehending Ford. While the injury is considered to be very serious Kai is expected to recover.
In addition to his outstanding charges, suspect Ford, a man with a lengthy Orange County arrest history, will also be charged with aggravated battery on a police dog. Additional charges may be forthcoming.
