Florida cops nab suspect who shot two dogs, killing one, during robbery attempt
On Thursday, November 3, Jayden Makell Harris, 17, was arrested by police in Tampa on multiple felony charges related to an armed robbery attempt where he shot two pet dogs, killing one.
On October 28, just before 7 p.m., a Tampa resident walking his two dachshunds was approached from behind by a suspect on the 2600 block of W Powhatan Avenue. The suspect pointed a gun at him and demanded money. During the course of the robbery, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking both dogs.
In fear for his life and his pets, the victim grabbed both dogs in his arms and ran away. The suspect chased the victim, firing two more shots in his direction.
Upon returning to his home, the victim discovered that one of his dogs was badly injured during the shooting. He rushed his dogs to an emergency veterinarian. The one severely injured pet Dachshund died as a result of the shooting.
Through investigative means, including surveillance video and a composite sketch, Tampa Police Department detectives were able to identify Jayden Harris as the suspect and identified a black Volkswagen Tiguan SUV he was riding in that was seen circling the block before and after the shooting incident. The victim was shown a photo of Harris and positively identified him as the shooter.
Harris is believed to be linked to other robberies in Hillsborough County and was arrested by Tampa Police approximately 2.5 hours after the shooting on a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office warrant for aggravated assault and robbery with a firearm. He bonded out of jail on October 30.
On Thursday, November 3, Harris was located at his home in Tampa. He is now facing multiple charges including:
- felony aggravated assault
- felony robbery with a firearm
- felony aggravated battery with great bodily harm
- felony aggravated cruelty to animals (2 counts)
- minor in possession of a firearm (misdemeanor)
“This morning we took a cold-hearted criminal off the streets of Tampa,” said Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor. “A teenager who took the life of a dog and likely would have taken the life of his owner as well had the bullets not narrowly missed this victim.”
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
