Man injured during capture by K-9 units has court appearance

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A man stopped by K-9 deputies in St. Johns County had his first appearance Friday morning.

Kirk Stevens, 34, of St. Augustine was arrested after a woman’s screams prompted deputies to conduct a traffic stop Thursday morning.

Stevens is accused of breaking into the victim’s home, taking the woman’s purse and forcing her and the home’s other occupants into a car, officials said. A deputy working traffic enforcement heard a woman’s screams and pull the car over, at which point Stevens got out of the car and ran into the woods.

Deputies and K-9 units apprehended Stevens after about a 20-minute search. He was taken to the hospital for treatment after being bitten by the K-9s during the attempted escape, officials said.

Stevens didn't appear in court, but was on a video feed from the jail. The large bandage or cast was seen on his left arm from the screen.

Stevens faces several charges, including battery, burglary and intimidation of a victim.

The court proceedings revealed that the victim had an injunction order against him for domestic violence.

Stevens faces $71,500 in total bail, and is ordered to have no contact with the victim or children.

Neither the State Attorney’s Office nor the Public Defender’s Office wished to comment on the case after Friday's proceedings, but did say Stevens next court date would be set in a couple weeks.

Cox Media Group