Third suspect arrested in shooting death of Richland County K9 Bumi, SC sheriff says

A third suspect involved in the death of deputy K9 Bumi was arrested Saturday, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department announced.

The department announced on Friday that Damian Rashawn Brown, 17, was wanted after he and two other teens led deputies on a chase in a stolen car. A subsequent foot chase led to the death of Bumi, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois. He was shot at least three times, officials said, though he was wearing a protective vest.

The incident began just before 2:30 a.m. Monday, when a deputy spotted a car that had been reported stolen near the 7400 block of Parklane Road, according to the sheriff.

Two teenagers ran away. A 16-year-old was prevented from getting out of the vehicle and was detained at gunpoint, officials said, and was charged with obstruction of justice and misprision.

A 13-year-old, suspected of shooting Bumi, was arrested Tuesday and faces a list of charges, including attempted murder, unlawful killing of a police dog, malicious injury to personal property over $10,000, breach of peace in a high and aggravated nature, possession of a weapon under 18, unlawful carrying of a weapon, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to the sheriff’s department.

Brown was driving the stolen car, Lott said Friday. He is charged with accessory after attempted murder.

Bumi was the third K9 the sheriff’s department has lost this year.

“It’s a war out there,” Lott said after a processional for the dog Friday. “Our Deputy (Alan) Ware is suffering, his family and his kids are suffering. That dog was part of their family. Now it’s just been snatched away for no reason whatsoever.”

The sheriff’s department said assistance from the community and the media led to Brown’s arrest.

“I want to thank everyone who has continued to support K9 Specialist (Alan) Ware and our department after the tragic death of K9 Bumi,” Lott said in a post on Facebook. “Your prayers and acts of kindness remind our deputies why this job is so purposeful.”

This story was originally published December 28, 2024 at 3:57 PM.

Alexa Jurado

The State

Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.