LCSO Releases Statement on K-9 Killed in Shooting [SLIDE SHOW]
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Murderer Carlos Cespedes
Leon County Sheriff’s Office Release
When deputies attempted to stop Cespedes, he fled in a silver Pontiac Vibe. Deputies pursued Cespedes to the area of 2115 Seminole Drive where he drove through the yard, exited the vehicle with a firearm and began firing at the deputies.
K-9 Deputy Ron McMullen deployed his partner “Koda” as he and other deputies attempted to apprehend Cespedes. The suspect fired multiple shots at the deputies, shooting “Koda.” Deputies McMullen and Tyler Epstein fired multiple shots in return, striking Cespedes in the head.
Deputies transported “Koda” to a local animal hospital where he died from a single gunshot wound. “Koda” was a 5 ½ year old male German shepherd who served with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office since 2008.
Sheriff Larry Campbell stated, “Last night the Leon County Sheriff’s Office lost a valuable member of the agency. LCSO K-9 “Koda” was killed while protecting his partner, Deputy McMullen and other deputies from an armed violent fugitive. “Koda” was a fearless and loyal partner. He was trained to serve and protect and that is exactly what he did.”
Deputies McMullen and Epstein were placed on Administrative Leave with pay, pending the completion of an internal investigation per LCSO policy.
Cespedes was taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room where he is being treated for injuries sustained during this incident. Upon his release, he will be transported to the Leon County Jail.
By: Julie Montanaro
Tallahassee, FL -A wanted man shot and killed a K-9 officer in Tallahassee late last night and deputies responded with gunfire.
At least two deputies shot the suspect; we are still not sure the extent of his injuries.
In the wake of last night’s events, WCTV visited the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The flag is at half staff there and there are black wreaths on the front door, all for Koda, the 51/2 year old officer dog shot and killed last night.
Deputies were out all night working at the scene – taking photos, doing interviews and gathering evidence.
The man, Carlos Cespedes, was wanted for attempted murder and more. When deputies tried to pull him over last night, he took off, and they followed him all the way to the corner of Magnolia and Seminole Drive.
Deputies say when Cespedes got out of the car, he had a gun in his hand and opened fire, not only on the charging dog, but on the deputies too.
Cespedes killed the dog, and at least two deputies opened fire.
Cespedes was shot repeatedly and taken to Tallahassee Memorial, but neither the hospital nor the sheriff’s office is releasing any information about his condition right now.
31 year old Carlos Cespedes. He is 31 had a warrant for his arrest out of TPD for attempted murder, aggravated battery and discharging a firearm.
WCTV checked his rap sheet, and according to court records, he’s been arrested five times since 2008, including arrests for drug possession, concealed weapons charges, domestic battery and resisting arrest.
Those court records also show he was just in court January 3rd and was sentenced to probation and community service.
By: Jason Kahn
Tallahassee, FL – According to police, at approximately 8:42pm this evening, officers attempted to stop a driver who was being pursued for attempted 1st degree murder, one of three charges.
After the pursuit was initiated, Carlos Manuel Cespedes, a Hispanic 31 year old male, failed to stop for police. Cespedes eventually pulled off on the side of the road on Magnolia Drive.
Cespedes then exited the vehicle and opened fire on the officers, fatally shooting a K-9 officer, Koda.
Police opened fire on Cespedes and he is now being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital; the extent of his injuries are unknown at this time.
Cespedes was wanted on 3 charges, 1st degree attempted murder, battery, and discharging a firearm at a vehicle, and now he will add, amongst other charges, murder of the K-9 dog, which is considered murder of an officer.
According to Leon County Sheriff’s Office, there has been a shooting in the area of Seminole Drive and Magnolia.
WCTV has a reporter on the way, and will bring you updates as they become available.
