Memorial Service Set for Brave K-9 Officer, Shot in Line of Duty in Newberry County
On June 11, 2024 a heart-wrenching incident unfolded in Newberry County, South Carolina: a service K-9 officer named Coba was shot by an armed suspect. The courageous K-9 risked his life during an operation to serve a fugitive warrant and tragically lost his life in the line of duty, State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) reported. Today, the community, and indeed the nation, mourns the loss of a true hero.
Tragic Incident Unfolds: A Hero’s Fallen in the Line of Duty
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office detailed the events leading up to the tragedy: deputies along with SLED agents had responded to a home along Gravel Road in the Prosperity region, with the mission to serve a fugitive felony warrant. The suspect was located hiding in a family member’s residence. K-9 officer Coba, the first to confront the suspect inside the house, was shot during the confrontation. Officers on scene returned fire, injuring the suspect who has since been taken to a local trauma center. Additionally, several deputies received minor injuries.
Remembering K9 Coba: A Tribute to a Dedicated Officer
Coba, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois mix, was a dedicated member of the SLED for three years since his induction in 2021. K9 Coba was not only a member of the SWAT team but also the K9 Tracking Team. With numerous successful training exercises and apprehensions under his belt, Coba was instrumental in safeguarding the community, law enforcement partners, and the SLED SWAT Team. His bravery and unwavering loyalty have left an indelible mark on the local community and beyond.
South Carolina’s sitting Governor Henry McMaster, also expressed his grief over the fallen officer. In a heartfelt message, he paid tribute to the services K9s and their handlers provide in keeping communities safe, stating “We tragically lost SLED K9 Agent Coba in the line of duty during the apprehension of an armed subject in Newberry County. We are grateful for our K9s, their handlers, and all our law enforcement officers who put their lives at risk each and every day.”
Memorial Service to Honor the Heroic K9
SLED announced plans to host a memorial service for K9 Coba in honor of his courageous service and ultimate sacrifice. The memorial service is slated to take place on June 19, at 10 a.m. at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy situated at 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia.
The condition of the suspect remains unreported while the incident continues to be investigated further by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, as is procedural protocol for such incidents.
A Community Mourns
K-9 Coba’s tragic demise serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers, human or canine, face every day on the job. The community and law enforcement fraternity mourns the loss of a dedicated officer whose service can never be forgotten.
