Deputies: Volusia County K-9 unit killed by friendly fire in suspect chase

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County Sheriff’s Office deputies said Thursday that a K-9 killed last month died from friendly fire.

Deputies said the K-9 unit, named Forrest, was chasing down Eddie Powell, 34, when the dog was shot and killed.

The K-9 unit’s death sparked a nearly day-long search Powell around Deltona’s Vann Park a couple days before Thanksgiving.

Law enforcement from all around Central Florida converged in the area to find Powell.

Deputies were originally in the area to serve a warrant on a woman wanted out of state when they heard someone running behind the houses.

Deputies began to chase Powell when Forrest was killed.

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Deputies said Powell tried to evade them by hiding in the brush.

Investigators said Powell jumped out and appeared to reach for a gun when a deputy almost stepped on him and Powell was shot.

It’s not been disclosed what Powell was wanted for out of Georgia.

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He is charged with possession of a weapon by a felon, fleeing and having an unregistered vehicle out of Volusia County.

Powell appeared before a judge Friday. He is being held without bond and will be extradited to Georgia at a later date.

Deputies said Powell knew the woman who was supposedly in the home where they were serving the warrant.

Deputies could not say how Powell knew her, but said she has not been found.

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