COLUMBIA, S.C. — Richland County deputies have released a photo of the suspect they say led them on a pursuit which ultimately ended with the death of sheriff's department K9 Wick.
Deputies released the images of the man, who they've not been able to identify yet, Friday afternoon. The photos were taken by a surveillance camera around 11 a.m. on June 19 near the area where deputies said he stole a work van.
According to investigators, the man took the van from the 1600 block of Ogden Street. Early the next morning, the van was spotted near the same area by law enforcement.
Richland County deputies said they attempted to pull the vehicle over but the driver didn't stop. A pursuit then began that went down Decker Boulevard and eventually onto Interstate 77. Officers used stop sticks to slow the vehicle down, and the driver pulled over near mile marker two.
At that point, officer said he got out of his vehicle and ran. K9 Wick and his handler, K-9 Specialist Zaid Abdullah, got out of their vehicle to pursue him on foot. Sheriff Leon Lott said when Wick jumped over the cable barriers at that location, he tugged on the leash, and it broke. Wick then ran into the lanes of I-77 to pursue the suspect and was hit by oncoming traffic. He died immediately, Lott said.
Despite a search in the area by other officers, the driver of the stolen vehicle was able to get away from the scene. Deputies said when he's found he'll face charges of failure to stop for blue lights and stolen vehicle. However, it's possible further charges could be filed.
Anyone who knows the person seen in the surveillance images should call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.