As reported by WLTX, a multi-agency response was triggered in connection to an incident Thursday night in which another officer was shot during a traffic stop. Law enforcement was tracking Modlin's car when the suspect opened fire on them with a semi-automatic rifle.
The outlet reported that approximately 200 officers from ten different agencies were engaged. When they were ambushed by the suspect, a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Officer was reported wounded and sent to an area hospital, but was later determined to be unharmed. Unfortunately, under sustained fire from Modlin, a Lee County Sheriff's patrol vehicle burst into flames, with K9 Officer Mikka inside.
Always remember: K9 Mikka, Lee County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina https://t.co/NlF5dx5LyI pic.twitter.com/1yYNysGs2L
— National Fallen Officer Foundation (@nationalfof) September 23, 2024
Sheriff Daniel Simon of Lee County explained, "Shots that actually hit the vehicle. The vehicle ignited and caught a fire, and, you know, she obviously couldn't get out of the vehicle," Simon told reporters. Although the officers, attempted to get to the vehicle and rescue Mikka, while under fire, they couldn't get there in time.
"The officers couldn't get to the vehicle to open the door, because they, like I said, they were under duress. They couldn't get to the vehicle."
Simon did confirm according to Fox News, that his Chief Deputy was grazed by gunfire as well. He added, "This is a senseless, cowardly act that actually took place today. And you know, I'm getting to the point I'm fed up with this is my eighth officer involved shooting since I've been here, since 2010. This is too much."
"We are a smaller agency, and we have to wear several different hats here. We are greatly saddened by the loss of K-9 Mikka, who was as much a member of our team as my Chief Deputy who was injured," Simon said in a statement.
The suspect, Altson Modlin, was killed during the exchange of fire with police. The shooting is under investigation by The Horry County Police Department.
Simon concluded his remarks by telling reporters, "I want to thank Horry County for taking the lead in investigating this incident, and all of our partners for their support and assistance, including South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), my Sheriff’s Office and Police Department counterparts across the state and region, and the ATF. There’s been so much community support from near and far, and each person and agency that has reached out to check on us and offered their prayers is appreciated."
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