SC K-9 officer killed during Newberry County operation, state agents confirm

NEWBERRY COUNTY, SC (WCSC) – The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed that one of its police dogs has died after being shot by an armed suspect in Newberry County.

K-9 Coba, 4, was a Belgian Malinois mix who joined the agency in 2021. During his career, Coba served on SLED’s SWAT team and K-9 tracking team, spokeswoman Renée Wunderlich said.

Coba was killed during the arrest of an armed offender in Newberry County on Tuesday, Wunderlich said. During an encounter involving SLED, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and the offender, the offender shot SLED K9 Coba.

The perpetrator was shot and taken to the hospital for further treatment. Authorities have not yet released the person’s name or filed charges. As of Tuesday afternoon, there was no information on the person’s condition.

Coba served the citizens of South Carolina alongside Special Agent Richard “Cole” Powell and lived with Powell’s family, Wunderlich said.

SLED and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office conduct an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

Coba has participated in training events and arrests to ensure the safety of communities, SLED police partners and his SLED SWAT team, she said.

Tuesday’s shooting in Newberry County was the 20th in the state this year and the first this year for both the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and SLED.

The agency plans to announce details of a memorial service for Coba at a later date.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

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