Fugitive Pulls Gun on Deputy And Then Bites K-9’s Ear

Belleview, Florida — On Tuesday, March 16, 2021, K-9 Cpl. Donahue responded to 8844 SE 126th Place, to locate Branden Richter (DOB: 12/03/87) due to him having several outstanding warrants for his arrest. Richter was located in the backyard of the home and when he saw K-9 Cpl. Donahue, he attempted to flee. K-9 Cpl. Donahue utilized his K-9 partner Scout to apprehend Richter, but during the apprehension, Richter pulled a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun and began to violently resist K-9 Cpl. Donahue and K-9 Scout. A long, violent struggle ensued over the firearm, during which time Richter bit K-9 Cpl. Donahue on his arm and hand. Richter also began choking K-9 Scout and bit K-9 Scout’s ear. K-9 Cpl. Donahue was able to remove the gun from Richter’s control. Cpl. Remington and Deputy Truman arrived on scene to assist in securing Richter, who continued to refuse to comply with lawful commands and was subsequently tased.

He was arrested and charged with:
2 counts of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer
Battery on a Police K-9
Aggravated Assault on an Law Enforcement Officer
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony
Possession of a Firearm with an Altered Serial Number
Along with the warrants for Felony Order to Revoke Bond on Grand Theft Auto and Resisting Arrest
2 Misdemeanor Warrants for Resisting Arrest

All deputies and K-9 Scout were treated for their injuries and are doing fine.