Federal Charges Against South Carolina Man for Shooting Police K-9 Coba

Federal Charges Filed Against South Carolina Man for Shooting Police K-9

Prosperity, S.C. – A South Carolina man is now facing serious federal charges after he allegedly shot and killed a police K-9 during an attempted arrest back in June. Authorities had been trying to execute a burglary warrant against 37-year-old James Robert Peterson when the incident occurred.

Incident Details

The altercation took place on June 11, when law enforcement arrived at Peterson’s mother’s home in Newberry County. Upon arriving, a police K-9, a Belgian Malinois mix named Coba, located Peterson inside the residence. Reports indicate that during this encounter, Peterson allegedly opened fire not only at the dog but also at the law enforcement officers present.

As the situation escalated, law enforcement responded by firing back, hitting Peterson in the process. Tragically, the K-9, Coba, was wounded and subsequently died after being rushed to an emergency veterinarian. Coba had been serving with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) since 2021.

Charges Filed

Initially, Peterson faced multiple charges including cruelty to a police dog, breach of peace, possession of a weapon by a felon, resisting arrest with a deadly weapon, and four counts of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person. These charges were filed at the state level in the months following the incident.

In a significant development six months later, Peterson has now been federally indicted for possessing a gun as a felon. If convicted on this charge, he could face up to 15 years in prison, a serious sentence that highlights the gravity of his alleged actions.

Current Status

As of December 13, jail records indicate that Peterson remains in custody. The case continues to unfold as authorities pursue legal action. His mother, Scarlett Boyd, was also taken into custody during the incident and is charged with hindering law enforcement. According to reports, Boyd claimed she had not seen her son when police arrived to serve the warrant.

Community Response

The shooting of the police K-9 has sparked conversation and concern in a community that heavily relies on support from law enforcement. K-9 units are valuable members of police departments, often used to assist in drug detection, tracking suspects, and ensuring public safety. The loss of Coba has highlighted the risks that these animals face while serving and performing their duties.

Conclusion

The legal proceedings against Peterson will likely shed more light on this troubling incident as the case progresses. The indictment represents a significant step in holding him accountable for his actions, which have not only impacted law enforcement but have also reverberated through the community.