Deputies: Suspect Shot and Killed After Running from Wreck and Claiming to Have a Gun
A Fatal Incident in Spartanburg County
A suspect was shot and killed in an encounter with law enforcement in Spartanburg County, South Carolina in the early hours of Sunday morning. The individual had previously been involved in a single-vehicle accident on the I-85 North at marker 71 and had fled into the nearby woods, according to a statement released by the county sheriff’s office.
Details from the Incident
The South Carolina Highway Patrol had initially responded to the scene and requested support from the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 3:40 a.m. The wreckage alone could not account for the incident, however, as the driver had already vacated the scene and taken refuge in the local woods.
The suspect was discovered in the woods first by fire department staff and a highway patrol trooper. However, upon being discovered, the suspect reportedly raised questions about their affiliations with law enforcement. When affirmed that they weren’t, the suspect made claims of being armed with a gun and requested to be notified upon the arrival of law enforcement, as stated in the sheriff’s office report.
Confrontation and Shooting
Upon the arrival of four deputies from Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, a confrontation ensued. The man reportedly ignored multiple commands issued by the deputies, lifted his shirt and reached for an object that was tucked into his waistband. In response to this perceived threat, all four officers discharged their firearms, resulting in the fatal shooting of the suspect.
The incident has since been forwarded to the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for further investigation. The sheriff’s office has confirmed that none of the four deputies involved were injured throughout the ordeal.
The information presented in this report is based on the preliminary investigation and remains subject to change. The investigation conducted by SLED is ongoing and further details will be released as they emerge.
Public Response and Further Information
The incident has drawn widespread attention and sparked discussions about law enforcement protocols and the use of force. However, in the interest of accurate dissemination of information, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s office has encouraged the public to refrain from misleading conjecture until the results of the investigation conducted by SLED are made available. This measure is expected to ensure that the situation is understood with completeness and accuracy.
Authorities will make public statements and provide updates as the investigation progresses. It has been confirmed that reports will contain more detailed information in due course. For now, the law enforcement departments involved, and the community at large, mourn the loss of life and express their condolences to the affected parties.
