It is with great sadness that SLED announces the line of duty death of K9 Coba.
K9 Coba, 4, was a Belgian Malinois mix and joined SLED in 2021. During his career, Coba served on SLED’s SWAT Team and SLED’s K9 Tracking Team. Coba participated in numerous trainings and apprehensions that kept communities, SLED’s law enforcement partners, and his SLED SWAT Team safe.
Coba served the citizens of South Carolina alongside Special Agent Richard “Cole” Powell. Coba lived with Powell’s family.
K9 Coba was killed in action today during the apprehension of an armed subject in Newberry County. During an encounter with SLED, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, and the subject, the subject shot SLED K9 Coba. The subject was shot and transported to the hospital for treatment.
SLED and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office requested the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department to independently investigate the officer involved shooting. Please direct any media inquiries regarding the officer involved shooting investigation to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
This is the 20th officer involved shooting in South Carolina this year. This is the first officer involved shooting this year for both the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and SLED. In 2023, there were 43 officer involved shootings in South Carolina. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office had 1 officer involved shooting last year. SLED had 2 officer involved shootings last year.
Coba will be greatly missed. Details regarding a memorial service will be announced by SLED at the appropriate time.
