CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – A memorial held Wednesday morning in Columbia paid tribute to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division K-9 officer who was shot dead in the line of duty last week.

Coba, 4, a Belgian Malinois mix, was a member of the team who responded to a home on Gravel Road in an attempt to serve a felony warrant to James Peterson, 37.

When he was confronted by Coba, his handler and a deputy with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office inside the home’s hallway, SLED agents say Peterson shot the K9. Officers returned fire at the suspect, eliminating the threat.

Coba was rushed to an emergency veterinarian but died from his wounds later that day.

K-9 Coba joined law enforcement in 2021.

The memorial service was held at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy at 5400 Broad River Road.

Gov. Henry McMaster attended the memorial service.

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