Deputies investigating after South Carolina police officer's property burned, dog killed

Publish date: 2024-07-07

Deputies in South Carolina are investigating two incidents in recent days at the home of Lake View Assistant Police Chief James "J.J." Smith, according to Dillon County Sheriff Jamie Hamilton.

Lake View Asst. Police Chief James "J.J." Smith said he's baffled as to who or why anyone would want to harm him and his family.

Hamilton said they've also asked the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to lead the investigation.

Smith said this past Thursday someone set fire to a relative's vehicle in Smith's yard.

Smith said the flames scorched the vinyl siding of his barn.

He added he used a water hose to help put out the fire and keep the flames from spreading ahead of fire crews getting to his home.

Smith said he, his wife and five children went out of town this past weekend and didn't tell anyone their plans to get away.

He said when they came back home they found one of their dogs dead, and the other badly hurt after being poisoned.

Smith said the dog that survived is being examined and treated by a veterinarian.

He said his family absolutely adored the dog and was just devastated that someone could be so mean as to kill him.

My wife hasn’t slept since we found the Dalmatian. And the Dalmatian was fine when SLED was out there Friday. The Labrador was also fine. It was heartbreaking for the kids. It really was.

Smith said he's the kind of person who goes out of his way to be respectful to people, even those he's arrested over his nine years in law enforcement.

I’ve worked in Marion, Dillon, Lake View. I can’t think of one person I ever had problems with. Even the people that I made arrest on. I see and they come up to me just like it’s every other day. It’s all in how you treat people. I’ve always treated people right. Treat them with respect. I can’t figure out who would have anything against me or my family.”

Hamilton said it appears as if someone threw a Molotov cocktail at the vehicle.

Concerned that somebody could come up in my yard and do something, like that. I can’t understand it. I can’t put together," said Smith.It’s ridiculous. I don't bother no one. I’ve always tried to help anyone I can," said Smith.

He said he's willing to pay a reward for information that leads to an arrest.

I’m personally offering a $1,000 reward for proof, evidence or information of anyone that’s involved & they will remain confidential. My family & children should not be afraid to go to sleep at home & have their pets harmed for no reason.

Smith said he just wants the person caught so that his family can continue living in peace.

If you have any information, you're asked to call the Dillon County Sheriff's Office at 843-774-1432 or 911. You don't have to give your name.

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