Teen sentenced in shooting of RCSD K-9 during chase
May 19, 2026
Jeremy Lamont Taylor pleaded guilty May 18 to assault and battery, 1st degree; cruelty to a police dog or horse; failure to stop for a blue light, no injury or death – 1st offense; and possession of a stolen pistol. The Honorable Heath Taylor sentenced the defendant to eight years in a South Carolina Department of Corrections facility.
On March 14, 2024, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) received a report that a truck had been stolen and that a pistol was inside the vehicle. An RCSD deputy later spotted the truck in Rosewood, near the location where it had been taken, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Taylor then led law enforcement on a high-speed chase through the Rosewood and South Kilbourne residential areas.
The pursuit ended when Taylor and another juvenile jumped from the moving truck and ran. An RCSD deputy and his K-9, Kobe, pursued the suspects on foot. When the suspects failed to stop, the deputy released Kobe. During the chase, Taylor fired a gun at Kobe and in the deputy’s direction.
Taylor struck Kobe twice in the forelegs, and another bullet struck Kobe’s vest in the torso. The deputy, directly behind Kobe, saw Taylor raise his pistol and fire toward him as the injured K-9 ran back toward the deputy. The RCSD deputy returned fire with his service weapon, striking Taylor twice in the lower body.
Law enforcement officers apprehended Taylor and transported him to a hospital for treatment. Authorities later determined that Taylor had driven the stolen truck during the pursuit. After his bond was denied, Taylor remained detained at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
K-9 Kobe underwent extensive veterinary treatment, including surgery on his forepaws, and was later retired from law enforcement. He is now enjoying his retirement.
Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office Assistant Solicitor R. Keith Taylor Jr. led the prosecution. RCSD Investigator Kristopher Kneece spearheaded the investigation.