A search for a suspect in South Carolina ended in a fiery shootout that resulted in the death of a police K-9 and left a law enforcement officer injured. The incident occurred during a standoff with the suspect, Altson Modlin, who was wanted in connection with the shooting of a McBee Police Department officer. Modlin fired at officers multiple times with an assault-style rifle, resulting in a deadly shootout in Lee County. The suspect’s car caught fire after being struck by bullets, tragically causing the police K-9, Mikka, to die in the flames.
Law enforcement officers were following Modlin’s car when they encountered live fire from the suspect, with one deputy being grazed by a bullet during the standoff. The officer was unable to reach K-9 Mikka inside the patrol car due to the intense gunfire. The Lee County Sheriff expressed his sadness over the loss of the K-9, stating that the dog was an integral part of their team. The shooting prompted a shelter-in-place order and a lockdown at countywide schools, with nearly 200 law enforcement officers and 10 agencies assisting in the standoff.
The Lee County Sheriff denounced the incident as a senseless and cowardly act, expressing frustration over the frequency of officer-involved shootings in the area. He thanked the community and fellow law enforcement agencies for their support during the challenging situation. The Horry County Police Department continues to investigate the shooting in Lee County at the request of the involved agencies. The Lee County Coroner’s Office confirmed Modlin’s death, with an autopsy scheduled for the following Tuesday.
The shooting and subsequent standoff in South Carolina involved a massive multi-agency response, with law enforcement officers from various agencies assisting in the operation. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) were among the agencies involved in the response. The incident marked the eighth officer-involved shooting in the area since 2010, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. The community support and assistance from agencies such as the ATF were appreciated during the difficult time.
The loss of K-9 Mikka was deeply felt by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, with the dog being described as a valuable member of the team. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and their K-9 partners in the course of their duties. The shooting led to renewed calls for greater support and protection for law enforcement officers facing dangerous situations. Despite the harrowing events, the community rallied around the sheriff’s office, offering prayers and support to the officers involved in the standoff and expressing gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
