Teenager Wanted After Homicide of K9 Officer Bumi in Richland County

News Summary

Richland County is mourning the loss of K9 Officer Bumi, a young Belgian Malinois, who was killed during a police chase. Authorities are searching for Damon Brown, 17, in relation to the incident as a 13-year-old has been arrested for serious charges. This is part of a troubling trend of juvenile crime in the area, prompting calls for increased penalties for violence against police animals.

Teenager Wanted in Connection with K9 Officer Bumi’s Homicide in Richland County, S.C.

Richland County is in shock after the tragic loss of K9 Officer Bumi, a beloved four-year-old Belgian Malinois. This brave pup met his untimely end during a chaotic police chase early Monday morning, and authorities are now seeking the public’s help to catch one of the suspects involved in this heartbreaking incident.

The Chase That Went Wrong

It all started around 2:30 a.m. on Monday when deputies noticed a stolen vehicle in the 7400 block of Parklane Road. This vehicle had just been reported stolen just hours before. As the deputies tried to pull the car over, the driver took off, leading them on a short but intense chase.

The chase came to a halt at the intersection of Alida Street and Wilkes Road, where deputies utilized stop sticks to bring the vehicle to a stop. However, one of the suspects, identified as a 16-year-old, was apprehended at the scene, while his two accomplices fled on foot.

K9 Officer Bumi’s Heroic Pursuit

In the heat of the moment, K9 Specialist Alan Ware and his trusty partner Bumi went after the fleeing suspects. Bumi, being the agile and determined K9 he is, quickly ran ahead, out of sight of his handler. Tragically, a few moments later, gunshots rang out, and it was found that Bumi had been struck by three bullets that went beneath his protective vest.

Despite immediate efforts to rush him to a veterinarian, Bumi was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. This loss hit hard, as Bumi was not just a loyal police dog, but a cherished member of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department family.

The Pursuit of Justice

Investigators have identified Damian Brown, a 17-year-old, as a wanted suspect related to this incident. He faces a long list of charges, including grand larceny and failure to stop for blue lights. Authorities emphasize the urgency of locating Brown and are asking for the public’s assistance in sharing his image and current whereabouts.

Meanwhile, a 13-year-old has already been arrested and charged with an array of serious offenses including attempted murder and unlawful killing of a police dog. This young individual is also linked to a stolen vehicle, highlighting a troubling trend of violent crime among youths in the area.

Concerning Trends and Future Actions

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department reports that the 16-year-old in custody has a history of offenses and was even on a faulty ankle monitor at the time of this incident. This situation raises significant concerns about juvenile crime rates and the safety of law enforcement involved.

This marks the third K9 from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department to lost their life in the line of duty this year alone. In response to this alarming trend, efforts are underway to push for increased penalties for those who commit acts of violence against police dogs. A new bill has been pre-filed in the State House to address these grievances.

What’s Next?

As the investigation continues, authorities anticipate more arrests connected to this case. The community is urged to stay vigilant and report any sightings or information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible. The loss of K9 Officer Bumi serves as a painful reminder of the risks faced by both law enforcement and their K9 partners, and it’s a call to everyone to unite against violence and crime.

In this challenging time, let’s honor the memory of K9 Bumi by standing together as a community, spreading awareness, and helping our law enforcement bring justice to those who protect us.