POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Today marks the 10-year anniversary of a tragic day in the history of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Matt Williams and his K9 partner Diogi were gunned down while trying to catch a man who fled a traffic stop in Lakeland.
Williams and Diogi responded after a fellow deputy called for backup after he pulled over a man who was speeding. The man ran into the woods after he was pulled over. Both deputies and K9 Diogi went into the wooded area after the suspect, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect fired several rounds at Deputy Williams and K9 Diogi, while under thick cover in the woods. A short time later, the suspect appeared and fired several rounds at the other deputy, hitting him in the leg.
Backup units arrived and began searching the area for the suspect and for Deputy William,s who was not responding to his radio.
The suspect was spotted behind a house and shot at Lakeland Police Department officers who were assisting with the search. The suspect then ran back into the woods.
Deputy Williams was found about an hour after the exchange of gunfire under the thick underbrush, deceased, with his dog Diogi deceased next to him. He was shot 9 times and his dog was shot once.
The suspect remained at large, prompting a massive manhunt. A SWAT team found the suspect hiding the next morning. He had Deputy Williams’ agency issued .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol in his hand. The SWAT team shot and killed the suspect, who was later identified as Angilo Freeland.
Deputy Williams joined the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 1994. He left behind a wife, Nancy, a son, Christopher, twins, Amanda and Jimmy, and his retired K-9 partner Rocky, who helped train Diogi.
Deputy Williams and K9 Diogi will be remembered on Friday during the “Evening with the Stars” dinner at the Lakeland Center. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd will be a featured speaker. Army Ranger Kris “Tanto” Paronto” who is the subject of the recent movie “13 Hours” will serve as a special guest speaker. Proceeds from the event will benefit K9s For Cops which helps police agencies buy K9s. The event begins at 5 pm and tickets cost $75. Learn more here.