Charleston, September 16, 2025
News Summary
A police K-9, Rogue, attacked a 66-year-old woman named Amy Ball after a toddler accidentally unlocked the patrol car, leading to permanent injuries and a lawsuit against the sheriff’s office. The case raises concerns about K-9 handling policies and public safety, emphasizing the need for stricter management protocols for police dogs.
Charleston, South Carolina – A police K-9 named Rogue attacked a 66-year-old woman on December 2025 after a toddler inadvertently unlocked the patrol car with a remote device. The woman, identified as Amy Ball, suffered permanent injuries, mental anguish, and significant medical expenses as a result of the incident, which has prompted a lawsuit against the local sheriff’s office.
The incident occurred while Amy Ball and her husband, Russell Martin Ball Jr., were en route to lunch at Casa Fiesta Mexican restaurant. At the time, Deputy Matthew Anderson was on a lunch break and had left K-9 Rogue unattended inside his patrol vehicle. As a toddler played nearby, they allegedly accessed a remote capable of unlocking the doors of the K-9 patrol car, thereby activating the vehicle’s emergency door button.
When K-9 Rogue was released from the vehicle, he could not locate his handler, Deputy Anderson. Believing Amy Ball posed a threat, Rogue attacked her. Russell Ball Jr. attempted to intervene during the assault but was unsuccessful in preventing the attack.
The ensuing lawsuit alleges negligence by the sheriff’s office regarding its policies on K-9 handling and training, claiming that the sheriff’s office failed to adequately secure the dog and implement safety measures. Under South Carolina law, pet owners or caretakers are strictly liable for any dog attacks that occur in public spaces, strengthening the case against the sheriff’s office.
The internal investigation into the incident has been suggested; however, a request for a State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigation was deemed unnecessary by local authorities. Notably, the sheriff’s office has not disclosed its K-9 policy for security and training reasons, raising concerns regarding transparency and accountability.
Despite the severity of the incident, Deputy Matthew Anderson and K-9 Rogue remain part of the sheriff’s department, with no public information made available regarding disciplinary actions that may be considered or taken against them. Moreover, the initial incident report released by the sheriff’s office provided limited details surrounding the circumstances of the attack, intensifying calls for better public communication.
As the case continues to evolve, many are calling for comprehensive changes in how K-9 units are managed to prevent future incidents. A key focus will be ensuring that dogs are properly secured and that policies prioritize public safety while balancing efficient police operations.
Background Context
Police K-9 units are often used for various law enforcement purposes, including drug detection, crowd control, and suspect apprehension. While their contributions are valued, incidents involving K-9 attacks on members of the public raise significant ethical and safety concerns. This incident in Charleston highlights the potential dangers of inattentive K-9 management practices, particularly in high-traffic urban areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the K-9 attack in Charleston?
A police K-9 named Rogue attacked 66-year-old Amy Ball after a toddler accidentally unlocked the patrol vehicle. The attack resulted in significant injuries, and a lawsuit was filed against the sheriff’s office.
What legal actions have been taken following the incident?
A lawsuit has been filed against the sheriff’s office for negligence, claiming that improper handling and training procedures contributed to the incident.
Has there been any disciplinary action against Deputy Anderson and K-9 Rogue?
As of now, both Deputy Anderson and K-9 Rogue remain with the sheriff’s department, and details on any potential disciplinary actions have not been disclosed.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: North Charleston police dedicate new patrol boat in honor of fallen K9
- Count On 2: Dog injured after North Charleston officers mistakenly detain wrong man
- Post and Courier: Charleston sheriff’s office faces lawsuit over K9 bite incident
- ABC News 4: Service dog injured in mistaken police stop in North Charleston
- SC Daily Gazette: After record number of SC police dogs killed, bill would increase penalties
- Wikipedia: Police dog
- Google Search: K9 police incidents
- Google Scholar: K9 policing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police dog
- Google News: Charleston K9 attack
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
