![](https://ssrnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/PG-16-PIC-K-9-injured-during-arrest.jpg)
Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office dispatch around 12:50 p.m. today received a call in reference to a burglary in progress. The address was on S. Airport Road in Milton.
Sheriff Bob Johnson was first to arrive on scene. Upon locating a broken window covered with blood, Sheriff Johnson called for another unit. Shortly after, K-9 Deputy Miller and K-9 Orkon arrived to assist.
Deputy Miller called in to the residence, announcing K-9 would be deployed if the suspect didn’t exit. After several announcements with no reply, K-9 Orkon was deployed into the residence.
After a few moments, the suspect was heard yelling inside the residence. Deputy Miller located his K-9 in the attic and observed the suspect actively punching Orkon. Deputy Miller recalled his K-9 and observed Orkon was severely injured. Sheriff Johnson and another deputy, Deputy Ramirez, arrested the suspect who refused to exit the attic.
K-9 Orkon had to be rushed to an emergency animal treatment facility where he underwent surgery.
The suspect was identified as Alan Lee Gilkerson, a white male, 48 years of age from Milton. He was arrested and charged with felony Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, resisting arrest, felony theft, burglary, and criminal mischief.
K-9 Orkon is expected to recover from his extensive injuries.
This case remains active. This is preliminary information of the incident.