Remember September 28, 2006. We will never forget. A traffic stop near Lakeland, Florida, spiraled into one of the most intense manhunts in Polk County history.
Deputy Vernon “Matt” Williams arrived with his K-9 partner, DiOGi, after Angilo Freeland fled into a wooded area. Williams and DiOGi entered the thick brush searching for him. Freeland opened fire. Williams was killed, and DiOGi was also shot. Another deputy was wounded in the leg during the confrontation.
Williams, 39, had been shot nine times, while three-year-old DiOGi had been shot once. Freeland disappeared into the surrounding woods, taking Williams’ service weapon with him…