COLUMBIA, S.C. — Plans for a memorial service to celebrate the life of South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) K-9 Coba have been determined.
Coba was shot and killed while assisting a team of law enforcement officers from SLED and Newberry County Sheriff's Office serving felony warrants on a suspect near Prosperity on Tuesday, June 11.
In an attempt to evade law enforcement, the suspect, James Robert Peterson, tried to hide out in a home belonging to his mother. When a sheriff's deputy saw Peterson moving through the home, Coba, the dog's handler, and other officers entered the home and confronted Peterson in a hallway. Authorities said Peterson produced a gun, shot the dog, and then pointed the gun at the officers. The officers returned fire, and Peterson was injured.
Coba was rushed to an emergency veterinarian but succumbed to his injuries.
The service will be held Wednesday, June 19, at 10 a.m. at the SC Criminal Justice Academy on Broad River Road. Sympathy cards may be sent to:
- SLED Special Agent Cole Powell - P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221-1398
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in K9 Coba's name to:
- The Foundation of Former Agents of SLED - 541 Shadowood Drive, Irmo, SC 29063