Skycrest neighborhood (33765) – A tense manhunt in Clearwater just took a startling turn. Police now say a local teenager attempted to aid the suspect accused of shooting a police K-9 with a machine gun — potentially turning a violent escape into something far more dangerous.
Clearwater Police have arrested a 17-year-old male who they say helped a fugitive try to escape after a violent confrontation with law enforcement that left a police dog injured. According to an arrest affidavit released Wednesday, the teen provided logistical support — including a getaway route and shelter — to Javaris Lee, a 25-year-old suspect wanted for firing a modified machine gun during a police pursuit earlier this week.
Key Facts
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BREAKING: Teen aided police K-9 shooter during active manhunt
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IMPACT: K-9 officer injured; 2 suspects in custody including minor
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OFFICIAL SOURCE: “Helping him put lives at risk.” – Chief Daniel Slaughter, Clearwater PD
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ACTION: Call 727-562-4242 with tips about modified firearms in Clearwater
The incident began when Clearwater officers attempted to arrest Lee on outstanding felony warrants Tuesday afternoon. Police say Lee fled on foot into a wooded area near the Clearwater Air Park and opened fire with what appeared to be a Glock-style pistol modified to fire automatically. K-9 Officer “Rex” was struck during the chase but is expected to survive after emergency veterinary surgery.
As law enforcement tracked the shooter, investigators say the teen suspect used his phone to alert Lee of police locations and later drove to pick him up several blocks away. Surveillance and GPS data led to both arrests within 48 hours.
Hyperlocal Impact
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Precise Location:
Skycrest neighborhood (33765) – near N Betty Lane and Drew Street, behind Clearwater Air Park -
Community Connection:
“We heard gunfire, then sirens. I never expected this in our backyard.”
– Inez Fuller, owner of Fuller’s Mini Mart on Drew Street
“This wasn’t just a bad decision — it was aiding a violent criminal who posed a danger to our community,” said Clearwater Police Chief Daniel Slaughter during a press briefing.
Both suspects now face multiple felony charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement animal and accessory to attempted murder. The teen, whose name is being withheld due to his age, is being held at a juvenile detention center pending a hearing.
Exclusive Angle
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WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
The incident is the fourth in Pinellas County this year involving teens entangled in violent adult crimes, prompting renewed calls for juvenile justice reform and stricter gun trafficking laws targeting “Glock switches” and illegal auto sears.
Crisis Response
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IMMEDIATE RESOURCES:
» Juvenile Diversion Program – Pinellas County: pinellasjuvenile.org | 727-582-2500
» Crime Stoppers Gun Tip Line: 1-800-873-TIPS -
OFFICIAL GUIDANCE:
“We urge parents to check in with their teens and monitor online firearm sales.”
– Lt. Carla Thompson, Clearwater PD Special Investigations
Update Log
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9:45 AM: Teen suspect transferred to Pinellas Juvenile Detention Center
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11:20 AM: K-9 Rex out of surgery, stable at emergency vet hospital
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1:10 PM: Glock modified with auto sear confirmed by ATF lab analysis
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