Suspect who shot Moss Point K-9 sentenced to 17 years in prison

A Mobile, Alabama man will spend 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to burglary and weapons possession and shooting a Moss Point K-9 officer.

46-year-old Richard McGuire was sentenced Tuesday by Judge Calvin Taylor. He pleaded guilty to burglary, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and injury to a public service animal.

Richard McGuire

McGuire was prosecuted as a habitual offender, so he must serve his sentence day-for-day with no early release or parole.

McGuire was accused of breaking into a Shell station in Moss Point on March 29, 2022 just after midnight. As officers approached, McGuire fled and officers gave chase. He hid in the woods and K-9 Buddy was sent to track him.

The handler lost sight of K-9 Buddy and then heard a gunshot. Buddy returned to his handler, who found the K-9 had been shot in the side. He was taken for treatment and made a full recovery.

McGuire previously pleaded guilty to related federal charges and was sentenced to 11 years, which will run concurrently with his state sentence.

“Police K-9’s are often utilized in some of the most dangerous situations,” said District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath. “They are responsible for tracking and apprehending violent offenders determined to evade justice.

“Like their human counterparts, K-9’s 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.”