Bradenton, FL – Shortly after 4:00 pm on October 14, 2022, deputies located a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of the Walmart on State Rd 64 East. When the driver saw deputies, he intentionally rammed a MCSO patrol vehicle with the stolen car, then drove over a shopping cart corral and headed west on SR 64.

The MCSO Watch Unit (helicopter) made visual contact with the fleeing vehicle in the 3600 block of US 301, and observed the vehicle run off the road and crash into a fence. The driver, later identified as 36-year-old Christopher Darlington, climbed out of the vehicle and broke into an unoccupied house in the 3600 block of 27th St E.

Deputies set up a perimeter around the residence and multiple commands were given for Darlington to come out and surrender to deputies. He refused and deputies along with K-9 Loki located him, armed with two large knives in the master bedroom. As the K-9 unit approached, Darlington swung the blades at K-9 Loki, cutting him on his nose and face.

Darlington was quickly apprehended and Loki, a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois was taken to an area Veterinary Hospital for treatment.

During the arrest, deputies discovered a trafficking quantity of suspected fentanyl on Darlington. They also found him to be in possession of stolen property taken from the residence.

Prior to this incident, Christopher Darlington had two outstanding warrants for Contempt of Court. He is now charged with a list of other crimes.

Possession of Stolen Vehicle
Aggravated Battery on LEO
Felony Criminal Mischief
Armed Burglary
Aggravated Battery on Police Canine
Trafficking Fentanyl
Warrant for Contempt of Court for DUI
Warrant for Contempt of Court for DWLS

K-9 Loki received 12 stitches to his nose and head. He is expected to make a full recovery and be back to work in about two weeks. No other deputies were injured.

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