SUMMERVILLE -- A Dorchester County deputy and his K-9 partner were wounded while responding to a "domestic altercation" Sunday night in Summerville, but both are doing well.

Dorchester County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Deese was attacked when he drove up and began talking to Ashley Phillips, 35, of 105 Monarch Drive, who was walking down the road from the address to which he'd been dispatched. Just as the dispatcher was notifying units responding to the call that Timmy Matthew Phillips, 41, also of 105 Monarch Drive was possibly armed, the man allegedly walked up to Deputy Deese's vehicle and began firing, wounding him and his K-9 partner, Bailey.

Deese transmitted that he had been shot as he was returning gunfire, and he notified dispatch that he needed an ambulance. He then gave a description of the man as a white, heavy-set male who was wearing jeans and a plaid shirt. The officer reported that the man had a loaded shotgun.

Officer J. Dandridge arrived on the scene, helped Deese into the back of his patrol car and left the scene. He met the responding ambulance on Tupperway Drive and then transferred the deputy into the ambulance.

Assessing wounds in the deputy's arm, face, shoulder and chest, EMS personnel asked Officer Dandridge to drive the ambulance so that they could begin to treat Deese.

More than 20 units responded to the scene, and Timmy Phillips was arrested and taken to the Dorchester County Detention Annex in Summerville. He was charged with criminal domestic violence, high and aggravated assault and battery with intent to kill and possession of a weapon in commission of a violent crime. More charges are pending.

Deese underwent surgery Monday and was expected to be released later in the week. K-9 Bailey suffered a "clean shot" and was reported to be in good shape.

Phillips will have a bond hearing in Summerville at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

T&D Correspondent Stephanie Pietrowski can be reached by e-mail at SPietro122@aol.com or by phone at 843-636-9005.

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