NewsPalm Beach CountyRegion C Palm Beach CountyWest Palm Beach

Actions

Man pleads not guilty in Wellington drive-by shooting that killed police K9

WPTV-JUSTIN-VAZQUEZ.jpg
Posted at 10:59 AM, Mar 13, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-13 19:21:31-04

WEST PALM BACH, Fla.-- Justin Vazquez, the 19-year-old arrested following the deadly shooting of a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office K9 on Christmas Eve, was back in court Wednesday morning.

He’s facing charges in a separate case involving a drive-by shooting December 7, 2018.

He pleaded not guilty and was denied bond.

The judge granted another 45-day status check. His lawyer says they still need more time to gather discovery and reports.

Vazquez is due back in court May 3. His lawyer clarified that he is not facing charges in the K9 incident.

The sheriffs office said he surrendered immediately when deputies tried to arrest Vazquez and another man at the Wellington Mall for the other charges.

Deputies say the other suspect — 28 year old Giovany Alvarez — took off running and opened fire on K9 Cigo and deputies, killing the animal. Deputies returned fire, injuring Alvarez.

He faces attempted murder charges in the December 7 case.