Lexington Sheriff's Department investigates Newberry County shooting

After receiving information that their suspect was at a family member's home on Gravel Road near Prosperity, a team consisting of NCSD deputies and SLED officers arrived at the home to execute arrest warrants. first-degree burglary against James Robert Peterson, 37, for a burglary on Blacks Gate. East Road on May 24, 2024. The woman who answered the door, later identified as Peterson's mother, Scarlett Boyd, 61, told the team that Peterson was not home and was not not there for a while. However, from a window, an NCSD deputy saw Peterson walking through the house.

This prompted a sheriff's deputy, K9 Coba and the dog's handler to enter the residence and confront Peterson in a hallway inside the home. Peterson pulled out a gun and shot the dog, then pointed the gun at the warrant team. The officers returned fire, injuring Peterson.

K9 Coba was transferred to an emergency veterinarian where she succumbed to her injuries. Peterson was transported to a local hospital and is receiving treatment for his injuries.

Because NCSD and SLED officers were involved in a shooting, the Lexington County Sheriff's Department (LCSD) was called in as an outside agency to investigate the shooting and Coba's murder. Once the LCSD investigation is complete, the department will present its findings to Eighth Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo.

Currently, Peterson still faces burglary charges. Attorney Stumbo may bring additional charges following Tuesday's incident.

Scarlett Boyd was charged with obstructing the detention of a law enforcement officer and is in the Newberry County Detention Center on a $20,000 cash/surety bond.