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Man sprays bear mace on deputies and K-9 during arrest attempt

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Man sprays bear mace on deputies and K-9 during arrest attempt

Vero Beach, FL

A Florida man was arrested after allegedly spraying several sheriff’s deputies and a K-9 with bear mace. Kyle Young, age 31, faces one count of resisting an officer without violence and eight counts of battery on an officer, firefighter, or EMT.

The incident occurred on Saturday along Old Dixie Highway. A deputy attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Young, who fled into the woods upon being ordered to stop.

As officers approached him, Young reportedly pulled out a canister identified as bear repellent spray. He resisted orders from deputies to get on the ground and instead ran into an open parking lot, prompting the deployment of the K-9 to aid in compliance.

When the K-9 made contact, Young allegedly used the bear spray, causing irritation to multiple deputies, including the K-9.

In response, a deputy deployed a taser to gain compliance, leading to Young’s arrest. Upon falling to the ground, deputies discovered a firearm near Young’s arm, which was secured for safety.

Several deputies received treatment for chemical exposure at the scene. Young was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being booked into the Indian River County Jail, where he is held on a $57,500 bond. He is scheduled for an arraignment on February 20, 2026.