Press release from Gainesville Police Department, video provided by GPD and uploaded by Alachua Chronicle to YouTube

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) is releasing body camera footage of an incident involving a police K-9 that resulted in the mistaken apprehension and K-9 bite of an individual. The release of this footage comes following an internal review conducted by the department.

In the early morning hours of March 23, 2024, officers responded to a call regarding a felony domestic violence incident. The suspect was known to officers as a multiple-time convicted violent felony offender, on felony probation, and wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor. The suspect was inside a residence and refusing to come outside. The officers had probable cause to make an arrest on this individual for violent felony charges.

In this circumstance, Florida State Statute mandates a physical arrest of individuals responsible for this type of crime. Officers attempted to persuade the suspect to come out peacefully, however, the suspect broke out a sliding glass door and fled. Due to the severity of the charges, officers pursued the suspect on foot. The suspect evaded officers and per department policy, a tactical perimeter was set up and additional resources were brought to the scene, including a K-9 team.

With the information of the incident, the shift commander authorized the use of the K-9, which was an approved use by GPD Policy. At approximately 3:08 a.m., loud public address system announcements were made by the K-9 handler, instructing the suspect he was under arrest and to surrender to the police. After receiving no response, a K-9 track of the suspect ensued.

At 3:26 a.m., in the area of 3131 NW 13th Street, the K-9 located a part of the ankle monitor belonging to the suspect alongside of the building. The K-9 then led officers around the corner to the front of the same building and located discarded clothing and additional pieces of the ankle monitor belonging to the suspect. The track continued into a fenced-in yard, and officers followed the leashed K-9 to the rear of the building. The track led to a nearby individual inside bushes who was wearing similar-colored clothing as the suspect. Officers gave immediate commands, and the K-9 engaged on the subject’s leg. It was determined that this individual was not the suspect. The K-9 was immediately withdrawn, and officers provided comfort until EMS had arrived. 

Warning: video may be disturbing

The victim was treated by healthcare professionals at a local hospital. After her release, follow up support and resources were offered to the victim in order to aid in her recovery. 

The suspect in this case was identified as Dovico Miles, Jr. Miles surrendered to the Alachua County Jail on March 27, 2024, and was charged with Felony Domestic Battery – Repeat Offender. Miles is currently being held on a no-bond status at the Alachua County Jail. 

GPD continues their commitment to transparency and accountability. A preliminary internal review of the incident revealed that K-9 policy and deployment protocols were followed.

Full hour-long K-9 track:

Treatment of K-9 bite victim and identification of suspect from GPS monitor: