COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Richland County Investigators are looking for a man they say shot a K-9 and shot at deputies Friday morning at a store on Monticello Road.
Authorities were called to Johnson store at the 5200 block of Monticello Road.
Investigators say when deputies spotted the suspect he started running K-9 Fargo made contact and the suspect started shooting.
"The suspect opened fire on the K-9 striking the dog multiple times." said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. "He shot at deputies who returned fire. Right now its an extensive manhunt."
According to Sheriff Lott K-9 Fargo later died from its injuries. One officer was not hit in an exchange of gunfire but injured his knee during a chase.
According to the Sheriff's Department website, K-9 Fargo was a Belgian Malinois acquired in 2006. K-9 Fargo was trained in narcotics detection, tracking, and criminal apprehension.
Helicopters were also on the scene.
Investigators say the suspect is said to be a black male wearing blue jeans and black shirt approximately 5’8'.
Because of the manhunt, six Richland County schools are opperating on a delay Friday. Click here for a full list of the schools delayed.
WACH Fox and MidlandsConnect.com will bring you the latest on this story as it develops.
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