K9 shot three times before gunman was killed in Brooksville shootout

Hernando County Sheriff Richard Nugent had no sympathy for a man that was shot and killed in a shootout with law enforcement.

Sheriff Nugent said anyone that shoots at deputies or officers can "expect to die."

Wednesday night was filled with close calls for law enforcement and folks in the Brooksville area that came in contact with Keith Ritchie.

Many say they are lucky to be alive.

Sheriff Nugent said consequences would be severe for Ritchie after he allegedly fired at a Brooksville Police Officer and then at the German Shepard named Kilo.

Sheriff Nugent called Ritchie a career criminal, one that was not afraid to shoot at law enforcement.

Sheriff Nugent said Ritchie started running from deputies and police after an officer confronted him over a domestic dispute.

Ritchie allegedly fired at an officer but without backup, the officer let Ritchie go. Then Kilo arrived to do his job.

Kilo found Ritchie behind Milton Manor's home located on West Fort Dade Avenue in Brooksville. Sheriff Nugent said Ritchie was hiding near a shed.

Then three shots were fired. One hit the bullet proof vest the dog was wearing and two grazed the animal.

Sheriff Nugent said even after being fired at, Kilo kept attacking Ritchie.

Eventually, deputies and officers were able to fire at Ritchie and killed him at the scene.

Manor spoke with ABC Action News Reporter Ellen McNamara just hours after Ritchie tried to break into his home.

"I'm still shaking a little bit, cause he said he'd kill me if I didn't open the door," Manor said.

Thankfully, Manor's door was locked, and he had a chance to escape.

"There was no way I was going to let him in the house and wind up a hostage, because if he's having a shootout with police, I don't think he cares about what happens to me," Manor said.

Sheriff Nugent says the recent shooting is another example of how dangerous the job for law enforcement can be.

While the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates the deputy/officer involved shooting, two officers have been put on paid administraive leave. However, that is standard procedure in Hernando County.

Kilo was released early this morning from an emergency animal hospital. He is at home recovering and is expected to be back on active duty sometime in the future.