Man that shot K-9 gets 19 years in prison

Cameron Knight
Cincinnati Enquirer
Pako, the police dog.

From his wheelchair, Tyler Jones apologized for his actions in court as he pleaded guilty to leading police on a chase, firing at Springfield Township officers and shooting a K-9.

In the June 3 shootout, Jones, 28, was struck by a bullet in his spine leaving him paralyzed, his attorneys said.  

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Robert Winkler sentenced him to 19 years in prison. Jones pleaded guilty to four counts of felonious assault, one count of assaulting a police dog, having weapons under disability, failure to comply with an officer and trafficking cocaine.

In June, police attempted to pull over Jones of Northside near Interstate 275 and Ohio 4 after he was stopped at a green light then made a lane violation, according to court documents.

Springfield police said he led them on a multi-jurisdiction chase through Greenhills and Forest Park at speeds around 70 mph.

Officers reported his passenger called 911 and attempted to get out of the vehicle.

Tyler Jones car after a June pursuit with Springfield Township police.

Stop sticks eventually brought Jones to a stop on Winton Road near North Bend Road, court documents state. At that point Jones was only driving on the rims of his vehicle, officers reported.

Several officers and K-9 Pako chased. The dog caught up to Jones first, the records show, and Jones shot him. Police said Jones fired one more shot at the four officers pursuing him.

An officer returned fire, striking Jones once, court documents state. He was taken into custody and transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

This photograph of Pako was posted to Facebook Friday morning by the Matt Haverkamp Foundation. Pako is expected to recover.

After the chase, cocaine, heroin, marijuana and hydrocodone along with plastic baggies and scales were found the car, according to court documents.

Pako was taken to Grady Veterinary Hospital. The German shepherd born in March 2014 made a full recovery and was showered with cards and treats. 

An award ceremony Friday coincided with Jones' sentencing. Springfield Township police announced Pako was honored with the K-9 Valor Award by the North American Police Work Dog Association in Eureka, Missouri.

Jones had previous felony drug convictions that barred him from possessing firearms, which contributed to his sentence.

Winkler and Jones discussed the possibility of early release for good behavior. Jones was given credit for the 342 days he has already spent in jail during the trial. He could be as old as 46 when he's released.

"When you get released, keep yourself out of trouble," Winkler said before closing proceedings for the case.

Pako, Springfield Township’s K9, is recovering from a gunshot wound he received in the line of duty June 3. In the background are doggie treats from well-wishers. Police say the dog should be ready to return to service