Image: RCSD Richland Co., SC (WOLO) — The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is grieving the loss of one of their K-9 officers tonight. The Department says Kodak had been fighting to stay alive for nearly a week, but succumb to his injuries Thursday. According to RCSD, Kodak’s injury took place in lower Richland County in the Leesburg Road area on Saturday October 5, 2024 around 3 a.m. while trying to catch a suspect accused of stealing a car before dumping it and running off. Officials say they established a perimeter for their search as K9 Kodak, his partner K9 Specialist Samantha Ramirez, and K9 Specialist O’Shaughnessy starting making their way through a heavily wooded area to track the suspect. While in the heavy brush, deputies say K9 Kodak became entangled in razor wire fencing that was hidden by brush and suffered severe cuts to his leg and abdomen. K9 Kodak was a 6 year old Dutch Shepherd and he and K9 Specialist Ramirez have been partners for 4 years. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department mourns the loss of K9 Kodak. Officials say the suspect they were initially searching for was never apprehended. \Funeral arrangements for K9 officer Kodak have not et been released. We will bring the date and location to you as soon as it becomes available. Categories: Local News, News, Richland