Robbery suspect who attacked K-9 officer dies while in custody

An inmate died Monday while in custody at the Orange County Jail, according to deputies. 

Max Gracia was pronounced dead at the Orlando Regional Medical Center after being transported from a medical unit at the Orange County Corrections Department.

He was in custody after deputies say he robbed a BP gas station at 401 N. John Young Parkway at gunpoint on Friday.

Deputies say Gracia attacked an officer and K-9 while trying to evade capture.

Authorities say Gracia first attacked an officer, then fled to Lake Mann, where he entered the water.

He was in the water for about two hours when deputies say he got out and attacked the K-9.

Gracia was eventually arrested while standing in waist-high water.

Deputies found items and cash from the robbery nearby. They also located the gun.

Gracia was being held on charges, including robbery with a firearm, resisting an officer with violence, resisting an officer without violence and interfering with or obstructing a police dog.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation, pending the results of an autopsy by the medical examiner’s office.