Rescued German Shepherd mix becomes police dog
Fort Worth Police Department police dog handlers Officer Chris Thompson and Sergeant Chuck Hubbard appear on “Fox & Friends Weekend” to talk about Locke, the “energetic” dog who is helping authorities combat the fentanyl crisis.
An armed fugitive opened fire on South Carolina State Police on Tuesday morning, killing a police dog and slightly injuring another officer in a shootout, authorities said.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that K-9 Koba’s sacrifice saved the lives of sheriff’s deputies and state law enforcement officers who were on the scene.
“He was a brave investigator who saved the lives of investigators and deputies,” the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “It was a terrifying experience, and we pray that people can understand that there are humans and animals who sacrifice their lives to protect our community.”
Youngkin mourns police dog killed in “savage” stabbing by MS-13 gang member
Koba, 4, is a Belgian Malinois mix who joined SLED in 2021, according to authorities. (Sled)
Koba’s owner has been identified as Special Agent Richard “Cole” Powell with the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
The two were part of a special task force searching for a wanted fugitive who authorities believe is hiding out at a relative’s home on Gravel Road in Prosperity.
After police encountered an unknown suspect inside, the suspect allegedly shot and killed Koba, attempted to shoot a human member of the task force and shot and killed a police dog as sheriff’s deputies and SLED investigators returned fire.
Koba and his handler, Special Agent Richard “Cole” Powell, pose for an undated portrait. (Sled)
After Kansas police dog is strangled, lawmakers approve tougher penalties for killing police dogs
Paramedics rushed Koba to an emergency veterinary clinic, but he later died from his injuries. The sheriff described the shooting as a “homicide.”
SLED said in a statement that Koba had been with the company since 2021. Koba was a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois mix.
No further details were immediately available about the suspect, who was injured and taken to hospital.
Click here to get the FOX News app
Governor Henry McMaster posted a tribute to Koba on X.
“We are grateful to the police dogs and their owners, and to all the police officers who risk their lives every day,” he said.
According to authorities, Newberry County, as is customary, has asked the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the circumstances of police-involved shootings.
