GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) says they mistakenly confused a homeless individual with a suspect they were looking for when using their newly reinstated K-9 over the weekend. The mistake led to dog bite injuries of an innocent person.
What Happened
During the early hours of Saturday, March 23, officers responded to arrest a “felony domestic violence suspect” who ran away from the scene.
The police department says their K-9 team was deployed in the area of 3100 NW 13th St. GPD says the K-9 unit was led towards an enclosed, fenced area located behind a business and found items left behind by the individual.
Their K-9 unit was recently reinstated on Monday, Jan. 22.
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Inside the fenced area, the police department says the K-9 handler discovered a person hiding.
“Believing this to be the suspect, and giving additional verbal warnings but receiving no response, the dog made contact,” said GPD in a Facebook post.
Authorities say the person was later determined to be a homeless individual unrelated to the domestic violence incident.
“As soon as the K-9 Handler became aware that the person was not the suspect, the apprehension was immediately terminated and medical assistance was given,” stated the police department.
They say the individual was transported to Shands Hospital to receive treatment for punctures to their thumb and calf.
GPD says the Gainesville Fire Rescue Community Response Paramedicine (CRP) Program will be working with the homeless individual to offer support. They say the CRP program “routinely provides services including homelessness outreach and prevention efforts.”
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“This was an unfortunate and unforeseen event,” said Assistant Police Chief Nelson Moya. “In this case, the officers followed all departmental policies and protocols but encountered a person in an unfortunate and unforeseen situation. This is further evidence that safe shelter is important. GPD is continuing to work with GFR and other partners to improve safety for our houseless neighbors through community outreach.”
GPD says that the Gainesville City Commission recently approved up to $700,000 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to GRACE Marketplace. They plan to use the funds to add ten immediate shelter beds and place another 20 beds in an unused space of the facility with attempts to expand and offer shelter to those in need.
Another Case, Different Outcome
Hours before that event, GPD responded to another case using the K-9 unit.
On Friday, March 22, GPD says they arrested 31-year-old Damien Brown, a man who they say is a multiple-time convicted felon and had active felony warrants with the City of Gainesville. The police department says when officers tried to arrest him, Brown took off on a bicycle.
They say they deployed a K-9 who successfully located Brown. After searching him, officers say they discovered he was carrying a concealed firearm in his pocket.
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“Our officers displayed great tenacity and courage with what could have been a very dangerous encounter. I continue to be proud of their daily commitment in keeping our community safe,” commented Moya.
