Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
JONESBORO, GEORGIA: Stephon Ford, a 17-year-old Georgia boy on the run, was shot dead by police on Saturday, September 2, after he apparently killed a police dog and pointed his gun at officers.
He died in a police shooting hours after the Jonesboro Police Department was called to investigate "suspicious activity" at a hotel.
Upon arrival, officers found Ford and two other men with drug paraphernalia and weapons at the scene. Even though they managed to arrest the other two men, the teenager fled and remained on the loose.
Clayton Police were then called to assist with the search for Ford, who reportedly ran into a wooded area, and a K-9 officer named Waro was dispatched to track down the teen, as per Daily Mail.
Why did Stephon Ford shoot police K-9 Waro?
After locating Stephon Ford in the woods, police gave the teen verbal commands to come out, but he refused to comply and instead began firing in their direction, striking the two-year-old Waro, according to Daily Mail.
The K-9 was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. However, no officers were injured during the shootout.
Cops claim Ford declined several times to show officers his hands before an officer fired a fatal shot.
"Ford had a handgun in his hand at the time he was shot," stated the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, adding, "When the weapon was inspected, it appeared it had malfunctioned while being fired."
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is currently leading an investigation into the shooting, the results of which will be delivered to the Clayton County District Attorney's Office for review.
What did the Clayton Police Department say regarding K-9 Waro’s death?
In a press conference, Clayton Assistant Police Chief Bruce Parks mourned Waro’s death, stating, "The overall situation is tragic. We hate it."
"We never want anything like this to happen. We try to use all our training and experience to bring it to an easy resolution, but this is not easy for us. It's not easy on the suspect's family," continued the officer.
Parks expressed, "Just last month, police announced that a protective bullet and stab-proof vest had been ordered for Waro as the result of a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc," but the K-9 never got a chance to wear the gear.
"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," added the Clayton Police Department.
The Georgia Police K9 Foundation also paid tribute to Waro, saying, "Waro was shot and killed in the line of duty while trying to apprehend a suspect. Thoughts and prayers with all involved."
"K9 Waro was a two-year-old male German shepherd that was born in Slovakia and was trained in patrol and detection through Tarheel Canine prior to being paired with his Handler. He worked for Clayton County Police," continued the statement.
