Sumter Sheriff’s Office investigates shooting involving Highway Patrol Trooper, dog on Sunday

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office investigated a shooting involving a South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper and a dog.

At about 11 a.m. on June 23, 2024, a deputy responded to a Wedgefield residence and began interviewing the family who owned the dog and the trooper to gather information.  

According to Mark Bordeaux, public information officer for the sheriff's office, the trooper arrived at the residence to deliver paperwork. Witness testimony and the trooper’s body-worn camera reveal dogs barking as the trooper slowly approached the home. The trooper turned to walk back to his vehicle, and when he looked back, a pit bull came from underneath the home and charged at the trooper, Bordeaux said.

The trooper yelled “Get back!” and shot the dog to defend himself from being attacked, Bordeaux said. The trooper was uninjured, and the dog was fatally wounded.

After an investigation by the sheriff’s office, evidence showcased “the trooper was in fear for his life from the attacking dog” and his actions were justifiable, according to Bordeaux.

Sheriff Anthony Dennis expressed relief that the trooper was able to defend himself and was uninjured, Bordeaux said.