RCSD K9 Wick struck and killed during a chase on I-77 this morning

RICHLAND CO., S.C. (WOLO) – Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says K9 Wick was fatally struck by a vehicle during a foot pursuit on I-77 early this morning.

According to investigators, around 1 a.m., deputies located a stolen vehicle being operated near Windsor Lake Boulevard and Brookfield Road. Deputies initiated a traffic stop and the suspect refused to stop.

A chase started and continued onto I-77. Deputies say at mile marker 2, they successfully deployed stop sticks and the suspect vehicle came to a stop.

At that time, the suspect fled from the vehicle on foot. With the suspect still in sight, K9 Specialist Zaid Abdullah deployed K9 Wick. K9 Specialist Abdullah and K9 Wick were in pursuit of the suspect when K9 Wick’s leash broke and Wick was able to pull away from K9 Specialist Abdullah. Wick continued in pursuit of the suspect, across the northbound side of I-77, when he was struck by a vehicle.

K9 Wick succumbed to his injuries on scene.

There will be a funeral procession for K9 Wick today at 11 a.m. at 3924 Fernandina Road and ending at 200 State Street in West Columbia.

The driver of the vehicle that struck K9 Wick was identified and the South Carolina Highway Patrol will lead the investigation into the collision.

Deputies are still searching for the suspect and several surrounding agencies have responded to assist in the search.

K9 Wick was a 3 year old Belgian Malinois and was with RCSD for a year and a half.

Stay with ABC Columbia for updates.