SC police officer shoots attacking dog in Sumter County, investigation ongoing

Sumter police officials are investigating after an officer said he shot an attacking dog while delivering papers in Wedgefield.

SUMTER COUNTY, SC — Sumter County officials are investigating after a South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper said he was forced to shoot an attacking dog Sunday morning.

According to an initial incident report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, officers were called to the 1200 block of Gulledge Circle in Wedgefield around 11 a.m. to investigate the incident. The officer told officers he was delivering paperwork to the home regarding a traffic stop and turned on his body-worn camera. According to the report, the officer noticed a dog on a chain and walked toward the home and a pickup truck in the yard.

The report states that the officer saw puppies and heard growling, causing him to back up to his patrol car. The report states that as the officer approached his vehicle, he saw a dog charging toward him. He responded by firing his service weapon. The incident report states that the dog was dead when officers arrived.

The officer investigating the incident also spoke with residents of the home, who said they were inside when they heard gunshots and looked out to see that the officer had shot the dog. Officers found shell casings at the scene and are still investigating the incident.

According to authorities, the officer appeared to be fine.