ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say a man fleeing a traffic stop shot a Florida sheriff's sergeant and a K-9 before turning the gun on himself.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office tweeted that the shooter died early Friday. He was identified as 23-year-old Elijah Johnson.
Sheriff's Office sergeant shot while searching for man that fled from deputies and shot @StPetePD K-9 dog in St. Petersburg. Sergeant and K-9 both in stable condition. Shooter died of apparent self-inflicted gun shot wound. pic.twitter.com/4XZ4FUObPh
— Pinellas SO (@SheriffPinellas) March 29, 2019
The Tampa Bay Times reports Johnson was stopped around 2 a.m. by a Pinellas County Sheriff's deputy who was working with a violent crimes task force.
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri says Johnson tried to flee. A St. Petersburg police officer and K-9 found his abandoned car nearby and began tracking the area. Johnson shot K-9 Titan before fleeing again and shooting at Sgt. David Stang, who appears to have been caught by surprise. Stang and Titan are both listed in stable condition.
Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Shot While Searching For Man That Fled From Officers And Shot St. Petersburg PD K-9 Dog; Shooter Deceased
— Pinellas SO (@SheriffPinellas) March 29, 2019
Full Story Here: https://t.co/gpd2yYaLm6 pic.twitter.com/HoMTeMilQO