News Summary
James Robert Peterson has been sentenced to 150 months in federal prison for the fatal shooting of K9 Officer Coba during an attempted arrest. The incident highlights the dangers law enforcement faces and the consequences of unlawful firearm possession, as Peterson was a felon during the event. With a history of violent crime, Peterson’s case drew attention from multiple law enforcement agencies. In addition to the federal sentence, he received a lengthy state prison term for related charges, underlining the judicial system’s commitment to prosecuting violent offenders.
Prosperity, South Carolina – James Robert Peterson, a 38-year-old man from Newberry County, has been sentenced to 150 months, or over 12 years, in federal prison for the fatal shooting of K9 Officer Coba during an attempted arrest. The sentence follows Peterson’s guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The incident occurred on June 11, 2024, when law enforcement officers attempted to apprehend Peterson on a felony state warrant. During the arrest, evidence indicated that Peterson unlawfully possessed a firearm and used a shotgun to shoot K9 Officer Coba, a police dog, as the animal stood between him and three officers trying to take him into custody.
Peterson’s criminal history includes prior convictions that made it illegal for him to possess firearms. Just weeks before the shooting, on May 24, 2024, he was also identified as a suspect in a break-in at a residence in Prosperity. Law enforcement utilized surveillance footage to track him down, noting his distinctive tattoos, which facilitated his identification.
The case drew the attention of several law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), who worked collaboratively to investigate the matter.
Additional Sentencing and Legal Consequences
In a parallel legal proceeding, Peterson was previously sentenced in March 2025 to 33 years in state prison on various charges, including first-degree burglary, attempted murder, cruelty to a police dog, and resisting arrest with a deadly weapon. The lengthy federal prison term of 150 months will be followed by a period of court-ordered supervision upon his release. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Peterson will not be eligible for parole.
Context of the Incident
The shooting of K9 Officer Coba not only highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face but also the complexities involved in dealing with individuals who have lengthy criminal backgrounds. The reality of gun possession laws and the consequences of breaching them were prominently spotlighted in this case, as Peterson’s prior felonies had previously barred him from owning firearms.
Law enforcement agencies are dedicated to preventing such incidents by educating the public on the seriousness of gun safety and responsible ownership. The tragic death of K9 Officer Coba has also raised awareness regarding the utilization and importance of police dogs in carrying out law enforcement work. Police dogs are trained to assist in various operations, including drug detection and apprehending suspects, making them invaluable to law enforcement agencies.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the intense risks carried by officers in the field, including their K9 counterparts, who bravely assist in ensuring community safety. The judicial system’s response to Peterson’s actions, through both state and federal sentences, reflects a commitment to addressing violent behavior and protecting law enforcement officials.
As the community reflects on the impacts of this incident, local law enforcement continues to emphasize their ongoing vigilance in safeguarding both their officers and the public.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
West Columbia Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Firearm Possession
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Additional Resources
- Cola Daily
- WLTX
- ABC Columbia
- Google Search: James Robert Peterson shooting K9 Coba
- Wikipedia: K9 Unit
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
