Man Arrested for Fatally Shooting Police Dog in Lexington County
Lexington County Deputies have detained a man from Prosperity connected to the grim shooting of a police dog in Newberry County. The law enforcement agencies involved in the case, namely the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), had been investigating this incident since it occurred on June 11.
The suspect, 37-year-old James Robert Peterson, is being accused of multiple charges including cruelty to a police dog, breach of peace, possession of a weapon by a person convicted of certain crimes, four counts of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person, and resisting arrest with a deadly weapon, according to arrest warrants.
Lexington County Sheriff Speaks on the Investigation
“We initiated our investigation of this crime the very day it transpired, upon the request of the two involved agencies,” said Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon. Collaborating with Eighth Judicial Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo, they concluded that Peterson’s actions during his encounter with Newberry County deputies and SLED agents, as they attempted to take him into custody on a felony warrant on Gravel Road, Prosperity, warranted these charges.
The Fatal Shooting of SLED K-9 Coba
Peterson purportedly disobeyed law enforcement commands and shot SLED K-9 Coba with a shotgun as the K-9 officer attempted to apprehend him. The four allegations of him pointing and presenting a firearm at a person stem from Peterson reportedly directing the shotgun in the direction of four law enforcement officers after the tragic shooting of K-9 Coba.
“Despite the incident having transpired in Newberry County, Stumbo will be prosecuting the criminal charges against Peterson,” added Sheriff Koon. Peterson is currently detained at the Newberry County Detention Center.
As stated under the United States Constitution for all criminal prosecutions, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Important Contact Details
If you have any further information or tips in relation to this case, please contact the official hotline at: (803) 587-3144 or send an email to: thelexingtonledger@gmail.com
Final Thoughts
This tragic event brings to light the dangers that law enforcement agencies and their K-9 partners face daily. It underscores the need for continued support towards these brave officers who put their lives on the line to ensure the safety and security of our communities.
