K-9 officer killed in the line of duty

PROSPERITY, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) – A K-9 officer with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was shot and killed in the line duty while trying to make an arrest.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues at SLED on the murder of K-9 Agent Coba. He was a brave Agent and saved the lives of agents and deputy sheriffs,” the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook.

According to authorities, K-9 Coba was working with SLED agents and deputies from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office to serve a fugitive felony warrant.

The suspect was found hiding inside the home of a family member.

Coba confronted the suspect inside the house and was shot. Officers returned fire at the suspect, eliminating the threat.

The K-9 was taken to an emergency veterinarian but died from his injuries.

“It was a horrible experience. I pray people understand there are humans and animals that are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect our community,” the sheriff’s office continued.

The suspect was taken to a trauma center in the area, and several deputies were treated for minor cuts.

Officials said Coba, 4, was a Belgian Malinois mix and joined law enforcement in 2021.

The K-9 officer served alongside Special Agent Richard “Cole” Powell and lived with his family.

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