The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Canine Brooks after a tragic and unfortunate alpaca incident.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was deeply saddened to announce the loss of Canine Brooks following an off-duty incident last month.
At approximately 9:30pm, Master Deputy Charles Perdomo was at his residence when he let Brooks out for a bathroom break within his fenced yard. For unknown reasons, Brooks managed to jump the fence and ran into the wooded area behind the deputy’s home.
Around 10pm, a neighbor residing on Amber Lane in Lithia near Tampa discovered Brooks actively attacking his alpaca. Unaware that Brooks was an HCSO Canine, the neighbor attempted to deter the attack by firing a shotgun in hopes of scaring the dog away. After the initial shot did not stop the attack, the neighbor fired a second shot, fatally wounding Brooks.
The alpaca sustained a minor injury to its leg and is receiving appropriate care.
“We are heartbroken over the loss of K9 Brooks, a dedicated and courageous member of our HCSO family,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The unbreakable bond between a K9 and their partner is like no other, making this loss even more heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with Deputy Perdomo and all those affected.”
HCSO is conducting a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
