K9 stabbing: SLED releases update on investigation

“Mickey” was seriously injured in an incident in Greenville County…

The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) released an update this week on an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Greenville County on Monday (May 13, 2024). As this media outlet first reported, one suspect was injured in the shooting — and a K9 deputy was seriously injured by a stab wound.

According to SLED, officers from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) – and agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – attempted to arrest the 51-year-old James Edgar Hopkins on several outstanding warrants.

“Officers located Hopkins at a hotel on Wade Hampton Boulevard in Greenville,” the SLED news release said. “Officers attempted to arrest Hopkins outside the hotel. During the encounter, Hopkins was armed with a knife. Officers fired Tasers and a beanbag gun at Hopkins, who stabbed a GCSO K9 and ran into a nearby Bank of America parking lot. GCSO deputies fired their firearms, striking Hopkins.”

Hopkins was transported to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital under heavy police escort. The GCSO K9 was transported to a veterinary hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

On Friday afternoon, GCSO released an update on its K9, named “Mickey.”

“K9 Micky was seriously injured while serving a warrant on Monday,” the update said. “Thanks to Upstate Vet, Mickey is going home with his handler today.”

SLED investigates officer-involved shootings in the vast majority of local law enforcement agencies in the Palmetto State on a protocol basis and presents investigative reports to the attorney serving the county or municipality where the shooting occurred.

“SLED’s investigation is active and ongoing,” the press release continued.

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It’s been a particularly tough year for K9s in the Palmetto State. In October, a Charleston County K9 – Rico – was shot by a suspect while attempting to evade capture. This incident occurred less than a month after the suspect – a 38-year-old Ernest Burbage III – stood before the judge of the District Court of SC Bentley Prize for possession of weapons. Instead of locking him up – or referring him to the government for prosecution – Price inexplicably sent him back to our streets.

Monday’s shooting in Greenville County was the 16th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina and the second involving GCSO. In 2023, there were 43 officer-involved shootings in South Carolina, including three involving GCSO.

South Carolina set a record for officer-involved shootings in 2017 49 such incidents. This record was achieved three years later in 2020.

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THE PRESS RELEASE…

(SLEDS)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …

Jenn Wood is FITSNews’ peerless research director. She is also a producer for FITSFiles and Cheer Incorporated Podcasts and leading expert on all things justice in Murdaugh, South Carolina. Jenn Wood, a former private investigator with a degree in criminal justice – evildoers beware – is anything but your average journalist! A deep dive researcher with a passion for truth and a heart for victims Mom of two is pretty much a superhero in FITSNews land. Did we mention she’s married to a rocket scientist? (Lucky one!) Do you have a story idea or tip for Jenn? Email her at [email protected].

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