Alabama felon who shot, injured MS Coast police K-9 sentenced to prison for crimes
An Alabama felon is headed to prison for 17 years for shooting a Moss Point police K-9 officer in a March 2022 police chase and a burglary offense.
On Tuesday, Circuit Judge Calvin Taylor sentenced Richard J. McGuire, 46, of Mobile, on one count each of injury to a service animal, felon in possession of a firearm and burglary.
The judge sentenced him as a habitual criminal, meaning McGuire will have to serve his sentence day-for-day without the chance for early release.
Moss Point police officers made the arrest shortly after responding to an alarm call at Tay’s BBQ/Shell gas station and convenience store on Highway 63 on March 29, 2022.
When police got to the store, McGuire fled the scene.
Moss Point police deployed their K-9 officer, Buddy, into a wooded area during a pursuit, where McGuire shot and injured the dog.
Buddy fully recovered from his injuries and continues to serve as a K-9 officer in Moss Point.
Along with state charges, a federal judge sentenced McGuire to an 11-year prison term on related charges, with the sentences running concurrently.
“Police K-9s are often utilized in some of the most dangerous situations,” District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said. “They are responsible for tracking and apprehending violent offenders determined to evade justice. Like their human counterparts, K-9s serve a vital role in protecting our community. This office will continue to hold violent offenders accountable and protect those who risk their lives for the safety of our community. Here, a violent man is off of the streets because Buddy was committed to doing his job. For that, Buddy is a hero.”
During McGuire’s arrest, police confiscated a sawed-off shotgun and body armor.
Assistant District Attorney Justin Lovorn prosecuted the case.
This story was originally published December 4, 2024 at 11:51 AM.
