Fort Lauderdale, FL — A convicted felon accused of shooting a Fort Lauderdale Police K-9 during a foot pursuit has been indicted on a federal firearms charge that could send him to prison for up to 15 years, federal prosecutors announced Friday.
A federal grand jury charged Christian Bouie, 30, of Fort Lauderdale, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following an April incident that began with a residential burglary investigation and ended with a police dog being shot.
According to court records, officers responded on April 18 to a report of a residential burglary in which a firearm had been stolen. Investigators quickly established a perimeter around the area and deployed aviation and K-9 units in an effort to locate the suspect.
Suspect Found Hiding in Tree
Authorities said officers eventually located Bouie hiding in a tree in a nearby yard.
When officers ordered him to come down, Bouie allegedly fled the area, scaled a fence, and ran onto an adjacent property in an attempt to escape.
As a Fort Lauderdale Police K-9 pursued him, Bouie allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired two rounds at the dog.
Federal prosecutors said one of the rounds struck the K-9.
Bouie continued running before officers ultimately apprehended him.
Gun Recovered After Arrest
According to the indictment, officers recovered a firearm from Bouie’s pocket after taking him into custody.
Because of his criminal history, prosecutors said Bouie is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
Court records show Bouie has prior felony convictions, including a conviction for robbery with a firearm.
Key Points
• Federal grand jury indicted Christian Bouie on a felon-in-possession charge.
• Prosecutors say he shot a Fort Lauderdale Police K-9 during a foot chase.
• Bouie faces up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted.
Federal Prosecutors Condemn Attack on Police Dog
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones said the allegations involve both illegal firearm possession and an attack on a law enforcement K-9 actively assisting officers during a pursuit.
“Police K-9s protect our officers, our neighborhoods, and our families,” Reding Quiñones said.
“This indictment alleges that a convicted felon unlawfully possessed a firearm and fired at a police K-9 during a pursuit in Fort Lauderdale. When armed felons allegedly endanger law enforcement and the public, our Office will prosecute those cases to the fullest extent of federal law.”
The announcement was made jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Investigation Continues
The ATF Miami Field Division is leading the federal investigation with assistance from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Ustynoski is prosecuting the case.
Federal officials emphasized that an indictment contains allegations and that Bouie is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
If convicted, Bouie faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, with the final sentence to be determined by a federal judge after considering sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.