Body camera footage shows shooting in K-9 stabbing

On May 13, 2024, Greenville County Sheriff's Office and agents with the Department of Homeland Security were attempting to arrest 51-year-old James Edgar Hopkins, for his outstanding warrants at a hotel on Wade Hampton Boulevard in Greenville. Authorities located Hopkins outside the hotel. During the arrest attempt, officers noticed Hopkins was armed with a knife. Despite deploying tasers and a bean bag gun, Hopkins managed to stab a GCSO K-9 unit and fled to the nearby Bank of America parking lot.

In the ensuing chaos, three deputies opened fire on Hopkins, striking him. Hopkins was subsequently taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital to treat his injuries, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). No officers were injured during the incident. The K-9 unit, which was stabbed during the confrontation, was rushed to an animal hospital. The GCSO reported that the K-9 Micky has since recovered and was released on Friday, being taken home by his handler. Hopkins faces charges of aggravated breach of peace, cruelty to a police dog and resisting arrest with a deadly weapon. No other officers were injured during the incident.