Richland County police dog killed in manhunt

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Richland County sheriff’s department dog has died after it was shot during the search for an armed robbery suspect near Columbia.

Sheriff’s deputies, Columbia police and the Highway Patrol began searching for a suspected robber north of Columbia shortly about 2 a.m. Friday.

Sheriff Leon Lott says an officer and a dog confronted the suspect and the dog attacked the man, who fired and hit the dog three times. WIS-TV reported the dog later died.

The officer was not hit in an exchange of gunfire but injured his knee during a chase.

Six schools in the area delayed the start of classes because of the search.

Helicopters are assisting in the search.