RCSD: 1 suspect dead, K9 injured following overnight shooting on Hunt Club Road

RICHLAND CO., S.C. (WOLO) – Richland County deputies say a K9 officer and a suspect are injured after a shooting overnight.

At approximately 12:15 a.m. on Weds, May 21, in the 7600 block of Hunt Club Road deputies responded to a report of suspects going into vehicles.

While on the way to the scene, the caller was providing detailed information of the suspects’ actions and descriptions, and location.

The sheriff’s department says when deputies arrived to the scene, they saw two suspects matching the description given to them.

Also, while at the scene, RCSD K9 Specialist Jeffcoat told the suspects to stop and get on the ground, but the suspects began to run.

RCSD says one of the suspects surrendered and was detained by K9 Specialist Beary.

The second suspect is accused of shooting at K9 Specialist Jeffcoat, and K9 Kiro before Jeffcoat returned fire, and hit the suspect multiple times.

Deputies rendered medical treatment until EMS arrived to the scene.

The suspect was taken to a local where he was pronounced dead, according to Richland County Sheriff’s Department

K-9 Kiro was struck by gunfire from the suspect and taken to CVETS for treatment.

Deputies say Kiro suffered a gunshot wound to his ear and injury to his abdomen.

The shooter was identified as 20-year-old Degeorge Darby, says RCSD.

The second suspect was identified as 20-year-old John Lee Williams, who is being charged with two counts of theft from motor vehicle.

Sheriff Lott identified the deputies involved as K-9 Specialist Richard Jeffcoat, who has been in law enforcement 8-years and his partner, 5-year-old Belgian Malinois K-9 Kiro. K-9 Specialist Robert Beary has been in law enforcement 10-years.