Florida sheriff’s K9 killed in crash while chasing suspected drug trafficker: MDSO

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its K9s. 

Crash kills K9

What we know:

According to MDSO, deputies were trying to pull over Anthony Medina, a suspected fentanyl supplier, on January 30. 

Instead of stopping, deputies say Media sped away, leading deputies on a chase. 

During the pursuit, deputies say Medina intentionally struck the SUV carrying K9 Roxi, causing it to slam into a concrete wall. 

First responders with the city of Miami Fire Rescue treated and released the deputy, but K9 Roxi was taken to an area veterinary hospital.

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During the incident, another MDSO vehicle was involved in a traffic crash that sent a male civilian to the hospital. The deputy involved in that crash was treated at the scene. First responders also took a pedestrian to the hospital, who sustained minor injuries as he avoided getting hit by the vehicles. 

The chase ended at State Road 836 and NW 12 Avenue. 

Deputies say during a brief struggle, Medina, along with Julio Flores were taken into custody. 

Both Medina and Flores are convicted felons, according to MDSO. 

Deputies seized the following from the vehicle:

  • 12 grams of phylocybin mushrooms
  • 252 bags of marijuana, totaling 1,411 grams
  • 90 boxes of THC cartridges
  • 14 packs of marijuana edibles totaling 678 grams
  • $8,525 in cash
  • 1 firearm
Anthony Media mugshot courtesy of the Miami Dade Sheriff's Office.

Anthony Media mugshot courtesy of the Miami Dade Sheriff's Office. 

In a social media post that was published on February 1, Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz announced that K9 Roxi died as a result of her injuries sustained in the crash. 

Medina was charged with aggravated battery against a law enforcement officer, among all the initial drug-related charges, according to the sheriff's office. 

K9 Roxi helped capture ‘the worst of the worst’

The backstory:

Since April 2017, K9 Roxi has worked alongside her handler, Organized Crimes Bureau Deputy Sheriff Jaren Hahn. 

The sheriff’s office says the pair had an unbreakable bond of true love between them. 

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Together, they conducted countless narcotic deployments for the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and many other agencies across three counties, resulting in arrests, drug and money seizures and numerous arrests of "the worst of the worst violent offenders."

Courtesy: Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.

Courtesy: Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.

K9 Roxi's legacy

What they're saying:

In a Facebook post, the sheriff said, "Roxi was a true hero who dedicated her life to protecting and serving. K9 Roxi was more than just a partner; she was a loyal companion who brought a sense of security and strength to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office."

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The post added, "Whether on or off-duty, K9 Roxi brought joy and companionship to those around her. K9 Roxi’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the hearts she protected. Rest in peace, K9 Roxi. Your duty is done and your memory will be with us always." 

Courtesy: Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.

Courtesy: Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.

What's next:

A memorial service will be held soon and will be announced by MDSO as soon as arrangements are made.

The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. 

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