03/15/2024
Posted • 🚨 K9 Kobe Shot Multiple Times 🚨
K9 Kobe of the Richland County SC Sheriff's Department was shot multiple times this morning while attempting to apprehend a fleeing suspect. Kobe was rushed to the ER vet, where he underwent treatment all day for his wounds. He has since been released and faces several months of recovery. Get well soon, Kobe! You've got this hero.
RCSO:
"The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is investigating after deputies were involved in an officer-involved shooting that injured a K9 dog and suspect.
Deputies were called to the 500 block of Deerwood Street shortly after midnight, March 14, 2024, for a report of a stolen vehicle. The owner told deputies his Ford pick-up was stolen, and his gun was inside the vehicle.
Shortly after 2:00 a.m., K9 Specialists Hodge and Washington observed the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop for blue lights, and a short chased ensued. The chase came to a stop and two suspects fled on foot. As deputies pursued on foot, they observed the driver exit the vehicle armed with a handgun. Deputies pursued the driver and gave several commands to stop. Suspect, Taylor, refused to obey commands, at which time K9 Kobe attempted to apprehend the suspect. Taylor opened fire on the deputies and as a result K9 Kobe suffered multiple gunshots. Deputies returned fire, striking the suspect.
The shooter is identified as Jeremy Taylor (DOB 1/17/07). He was transported to a local hospital for his injuries. Taylor is being charged as an adult with attempted murder, multiple weapons charges, unlawful injury to a police dog, failure to stop for blue lights, and grand larceny of a motor vehicle.
The passenger, 14-year-old, is charged with grand larceny of a motor vehicle and multiple weapons charges.
Sheriff Lott identifies the deputies involved as K9 Specialist Bryan Hodge and his K9 Kobe and K9 Specialist Datron Washington and his K9 Sonny. Hodge has been with RCSD for 2 years and his partner K9 Kobe is 5 years old. Washington has been with RCSD for a year and his partner K9 Sonny is 4 years old."
