Lee sheriff's office dog is choked out, helps make arrest anyway

Lee County sheriff's deputies responded to a disturbance call Friday evening at the Wal-Mart at 14821 Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers.

According to the sheriff's office:

Deputies found store security struggling with a suspect who had attempted to steal two area rugs by switching price tags. The suspect was later identified as Liferein Lenord Bell, 25. The first arriving deputy attempted to handcuff Bell. Bell stated that he was "not going to jail" and continued to struggle with both the deputy and the loss- prevention associates. Despite attempts to stop Bell, he was able to flee through the front doors.

South District deputies, along with deputies from the K-9 units, began to search for the suspect. A police helicopter and K-9 deputies were able to track Bell to the area of Jamaica Bay Boulevard and Impala Court.

Deputies encountered Bell, who was hiding in a bush, and ordered him to come out with his hands up. Bell refused and Kilo, a K-9 German shepherd, attempted to apprehend him. Bell wrapped his arms around Kilo's neck, and pinned Kilo with the full weight of his body.

As deputies attempted to stop Bell, Kilo's body went limp, and Kilo passed out. Deputies attempted to physically stop Bell and pull Kilo away; however, Bell continuously pulled Kilo and continued to wrap his arms around Kilo's neck. As deputies continued to struggle with Bell, Kilo woke up and bit Bell on his left arm and wrist.

Deputies were able to restrain Bell, take him into custody, and remove Kilo. Kilo sustained a cut to his left eye and nose.

Bell, of Lehigh Acres, was arrested and charged with theft, resisting a merchant, resisting without violence, and using a deadly weapon on a police animal.

Despite some facial swelling, Kilo is back on patrol and ready to serve the citizens of Lee County.