Cape Coral, FL – A Cape Coral man was arrested Friday morning after deputies say he broke into an occupied apartment and later choked a Lee County Sheriff’s Office Police K9 while resisting arrest in the Whiskey Creek area.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 9 a.m. Monday to an apartment complex near Whiskey Creek for a reported burglary in progress. Investigators say the suspect, later identified as Xzavier Jefferson, allegedly entered the residence while the occupants were asleep and was found sitting on their couch.
Deputies said Jefferson fled the apartment when confronted. One of the victims reportedly followed him while providing deputies with real-time updates on his location, helping law enforcement track him as he moved through the area.
Authorities located Jefferson near Whiskey Creek Drive and College Parkway, where deputies say he refused to comply with commands. A Police K9, identified as K9 Vader, was deployed in an attempt to detain the suspect.
According to deputies, during the encounter, Jefferson allegedly placed K9 Vader in a headlock and choked the dog. Deputies then used a Taser to take Jefferson into custody.
Jefferson was arrested and charged with trespassing, resisting an officer without violence, and animal cruelty, according to the sheriff’s office. No additional charges were immediately announced.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that K9 Vader was evaluated by veterinary staff and did not suffer any injuries.
The incident occurred in Cape Coral, Lee County, part of the greater Southwest Florida region. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case proceeds.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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