Funeral set for slain Forest Acres officer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The funeral service for the Forest Acres officer killed in the line of duty on Wednesday has been set for Saturday. Officer Greg Alia’s funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 3600 Devine Street in Columbia, church officials say. Alia and another officer were in pursuit of a “suspicious person” parked in a van outside a bank on Forest Drive. Authorities say when the officers tried to approach the suspect, Jarvis Hall, he jumped out of the vehicle and a foot chase ensued. The officers pursued the suspect into Richland Mall, where Hall allegedly shot Alia, 32, during a struggle. Hall, 34, is scheduled to make a court appearance at 2 p.m. Thursday to face two charges of attempted murder and use of a deadly weapon. Forest Acres Police Chief M.E. Sealy said, “the death of Officer Alia leaves a large void in the Forest Acres Police Department family because Greg had so positively impacted everyone he worked with and the community in so many ways. Chief Sealy stated that Greg was a man of God who cared for his wife Kassy, his newborn son Sal, his parents, and the Department; he did so much for so many people and will be missed more than words can say.” Sealy said officer Alia began his career with the Forest Acres Police Department seven years ago. Before joining the Department in 2008, Alia graduated from the University of South Carolina where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, He was a graduate of Richland Northeast High School. Stay with ABC for more details.