Florida man allegedly sprays deputies, K-9 with bear repellent to evade arrest

VERO BEACH, Fla. (TCN) — In an attempt to avoid arrest, a man allegedly sprayed eight sheriff’s deputies and one K-9 officer with bear repellent.

Kyle Young, 31, was charged with eight counts of battery on an officer and resisting an officer without violence.

According to an affidavit, the Indian River Sheriff’s Office had obtained a warrant for Young’s arrest and attempted to contact him as he walked along a road in a wooded area. He allegedly ignored deputies’ orders to stop and yelled to be left alone.

After deputies chased Young to a parking lot, he continued to ignore their commands to get on the ground or put his hands behind his back, so the deputies attempted to use a K-9 officer to get Young to comply.

When the K-9, Jefe, made contact, Young used a can of bear spray on the animal and the spray also dispersed toward eight deputies. A deputy then used a stun gun on Young. He fell to the ground and deputies saw he was carrying a firearm.

According to the arrest affidavit, Young allegedly was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety, and told officers he had not been taking his medication.

All officers impacted by the bear repellent, including K-9 Jefe, were treated for chemical exposure at the scene, the arrest affidavit said.

Young was taken to jail after being cleared at a hospital and is detained on a $57,500 bond, according to Law & Crime. His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2026.

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