Richland sheriff thanks community for raising $45K in 2 hours in honor of slain K9
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott thanked the community for supporting his department after the loss of a K9, saying two businesses raised more than $45,000 in two hours in honor of the dog’s life.
In a dimly lit sanctuary at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo on Friday, Richland County sheriff’s deputies were joined by community members and officers from other agencies to pay tribute to deputy K9 Bumi, who was shot dead in the line of duty last month.
During the memorial service, Lott expressed gratitude for the community’s support following Bumi’s killing.
“Last night, two business people in the community decided to have a two-hour fundraiser, and raised over $45,000 (in support of Bumi),” Lott said. “That shows the commitment and love this community has for us. So, for those of you who wear this uniform, don’t ever think the community doesn’t love and respect you, because they do.”
Bumi’s death stemmed from an incident that began near the 7400 block of Parklane Road a little before 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 23, 2024, when a deputy spotted a car that had been reported stolen in Columbia, according to the sheriff. A chase followed, and it ended in the Greenview community after a deputy used a stop stick to deflate the stolen vehicle’s tires, Lott said.
K9 Specialist Deputy Alan Ware and Bumi were among the deputies on the scene following the pursuit of the stolen car. Bumi took off after one of the teens and ran out of sight. Shortly thereafter, Ware and other deputies heard gunshots, according to Lott.
Ware and other deputies ran to where they heard the gunfire and found Bumi near the 100 block of Alida Street. The K9 had been shot at least three times, according to the sheriff. While the police dog was wearing a protective vest, the bullets struck Bumi in the chest, Lott said.
A total of three juvenile suspects were charged in the K9’s death.
A 13-year-old and a 16-year-old pled guilty in family court last month in Bumi’s shooting death, Lott said. The 13-year-old, who also was accused of shooting at a deputy, pled guilty to attempted murder and assault and battery in the first degree, while the 16-year-old pled guilty to obstruction of justice, according to Lott.
The 16-year-old, who was already wanted by the state Department of Juvenile Justice for a violation in Spartanburg County, was sentenced to 12 months of probation for the charge and sent back to Spartanburg County, where he faces charges unrelated to Bumi’s death, Lott said Monday.
A third suspect, Damien Rashawn Brown, 17, accused of driving a stolen vehicle and refusing to stop for deputies, was captured Dec. 28.
In addition, Richland deputies charged the mother of the 13-year-old, Shameka Williams, 34, with accessory after the fact of a felony for hiding her son, acting as a “getaway driver” after he shot and killed Bumi, according to Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.
Ware spoke during Friday’s memorial service.
“When we would get ready for work, my wife would tell Bumi to take care of me,” Ware said with emotion. “I know we will see each other again in heaven.”
