COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — A 13-year-old is being charged with the shooting death of a Richland County K-9 Deputy and the theft of a vehicle. Sheriff Leon Lott says K9 Bumi and his handler, Specialist Alan Ware were chasing two suspects on foot around 2:30 Monday morning near Alida Street when one of the teens, just 13-years-old, opened fire, shooting K9 Bumi at least three times. K9 Bumi died at the scene. “This is the 3rd dog we’ve had killed this year. This is the 2nd dog we’ve had shot. The first one we had shot had to medically retire from being shot. Teenagers. Young people, who just do not care whatsoever,” says Lott. According to RCSD, the three suspects had stolen a vehicle near the 7400 block of Parklane Road around 9:30 Sunday night, with a police pursuit following. “This is three weeks in a row that I’ve stood at this podium and talked about young people and guns and stolen cars, shooting at deputies, and now this morning killing one of our police dogs,” says Lott. The 13-year-old shooter and a second teenager ran from the vehicle, with a third suspect at just 16-years-old being detained at the scene. “If you’ve got friends that care about you, they need to bring you in. But if you don’t come in that’s fine. We’re gonna find you. I guarantee as I’m standing here right now, you’re gonna be in jail. And if I had to bet money on it you’re gonna be here before Christmas gets here too,” says Lott speaking directly to the young suspect at large. Lott also addressing parents in the community, by saying, “I hope it’s hitting some parents where it needs to hit them, because they need to step up and be parents. If not, I’ll be talking about your child that’s been killed or your child is going to jail because they’re out here at 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning with guns and stolen cars.” If you have any information on the third teenager at large, you’re encouraged to call the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 803-576-3000. K9 Bumi was 4-years-old and had been partners with Specialist Ware for two years. The 13-year-old is being charged with attempted murder, unlawful killing of a police dog, malicious injury to personal property over 10K, breach of peace high and aggravated nature, possession of a weapon under 18, unlawful carrying of a weapon, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Categories: Local News, News