TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- A memorial service will be held Friday for a Leon County Sheriff's K9 killed last week in the line of duty.
Deputies say "Koda" was killed January 31 by a suspect wanted for attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm from a vehicle. During a confrontation with deputies in the area of North Monroe Street and Fred George Road, deputies say Carlos Manuel Cespedes, 31, shot and killed "Koda", a 5-and-a-half year old German Shepard.
Deputies credit "Koda" with saving the lives of his partner, Deputy Ron McMullen and other deputies. Lt. James McQuaig with LCSO says as "Koda" was charging at Cespedes, it distracted Cespedes long enough to protect deputies and to allow them to draw their guns.
Sheriff Larry Campbell said, "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."
Cespedes is being held in the Leon County Jail.
"Koda" served with the Leon County Sheriff's Office since 2008.
A memorial service for "Koda" will be held Friday, February 8 at 1:00 p.m. at the Tallahassee Automobile and Collectibles Museum at 6800 Mahan Drive. The service is open to the public.
