News Summary
Newberry County, S.C. faced two alarming events on Friday: an armed confrontation at Martin’s Landing restaurant involving a former employee with a BB gun and the tragic shooting of a K-9 officer during an armed encounter with law enforcement. The community is left in mourning following these distressing occurrences, which have raised concerns about safety and the sacrifices made by law enforcement and their K-9 partners.
Newberry County’s Friday of Shocks: Restaurant Incident and K-9 Tragedy
Whirlwind of Events at a Local Restaurant
Newberry County, S.C. was rocked on Friday when a tense situation unfolded at Martin’s Landing restaurant. A man named Duan P. Barnes, a 40-year-old former employee, decided to make a dramatic return to the establishment where he had previously worked. However, he did not come back to reclaim lost memories or offer a friendly hello—instead, he entered the restaurant brandishing what appeared to be a handgun.
As patrons enjoyed their meals, the local 911 dispatch received concerning calls about an armed man inside the restaurant. Responding quickly, deputies rushed to the scene and found Barnes at the bar, where several diners were visibly shaken. It didn’t take long for law enforcement officials to apprehend him and secure the area. Officials later transported Barnes to the Newberry County Detention Center, where he will face serious charges of first-degree assault, battery, and kidnapping.
Investigation revealed that Barnes had been terminated from his job at the restaurant and returned seeking payment for work. But the most surprising twist in this story was the weapon he carried—the gun was later confirmed to be a realistic-looking BB gun stored in a police-style holster. It’s a reminder of how quickly a situation can escalate to alarming levels, even over monetary disputes.
A Heartbreaking Turn of Events
As if the restaurant incident wasn’t enough for the local community to process, another shocking event came to light involving law enforcement. A man named James Robert Peterson faced serious consequences after an armed confrontation resulted in the tragic death of a K-9 officer.
Peterson was indicted for the felon possession of a firearm after shooting a dedicated K-9 named Coba during a warrant-serving operation. Law enforcement officers were at Peterson’s mother’s residence on Gravel Road in Prosperity to serve a first-degree burglary warrant when things took a turn for the worse. The situation escalated to violence when Peterson shot Coba, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois mix who had been an integral part of SLED since 2021, contributing to the SWAT Team and K-9 Tracking Team.
Despite being rushed to a veterinarian after sustaining injuries, K-9 Coba sadly succumbed to his wounds later that day. The loss has hit the law enforcement community hard, and memorial services for the esteemed K-9 are being planned with details to follow.
Meanwhile, Peterson was transported to a trauma center due to his injuries and is now embroiled in a legal battle as he awaits trial. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in federal prison. Adding to the family drama, Peterson’s mother, Scarlett Boyd, was also arrested for hindering law enforcement during the process.
A Community in Mourning
What started as a typical Friday in Newberry County spiraled into chaos, leaving many residents disturbed and in disbelief. The armed incident at the restaurant and the devastating outcomes of the officer-involved shooting represent a critical turning point for both the community and the law enforcement agencies involved.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster took to social media to express his condolences and gratitude to K-9 Coba and all law enforcement officers, further highlighting the impact this tragedy has had on the local community and beyond.
In the wake of such distressing events, the importance of law enforcement and their K-9 companions cannot be overstated. They serve valiantly, often putting themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe. The loss of K-9 Coba serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made in the line of duty.
As the community rallies together in mourning, it remains critical to honor the memories of those like Coba who served with dedication and bravery. Residents and fellow officers now look ahead to the memorial service, hoping to celebrate the life of a K-9 hero who gave his all in service to others.
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Additional Resources
- MSN News: Armed Former Employee Arrested
- WIS TV: Prosperity Man Indicted in K-9’s Death
- Live 5 News: K-9 Officer Killed in Action
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police K-9
- Google Search: Newberry County Crime News
