S.C. Sheriff's Deputy Killed, Another Wounded in Ambush Shootout
By Noah Feit
Source The Island Packet (Hilton Head Island, S.C.)
What to know
- Darlington County Sheriff's Deputy Devin Mason was killed and another deputy injured during an ambush while responding to a call about a wanted suspect at a home.
- The suspected gunman was also killed in the shootout, and the wanted individual who prompted the call was taken into custody.
- Mason joined the sheriff's office in 2024 and had recently completed field training.
The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office said two deputies were ambushed early Tuesday, and one of them was killed in the line of duty.
Deputy Devin Mason, 27, died in the shootout where the suspected gunman was also killed, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
“Today, we mourn the loss of one of our own, Deputy Devin Mason,” Sheriff Michael August said in the release. “This is an incredibly sad day for Devin’s family, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and the entire community we serve.”
The other deputy injured in the shooting was taken to an area hospital where he remains in stable condition, according to the release. Further information on that deputy’s condition was not available.
No other injuries were reported. “An ambush”
At about 1:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call about a wanted person who was at a home on Old Timers Court, the sheriff’s office said. That’s in the Lamar area of Darlington County, not far from Exit 131 on Interstate 20.
Inside the home, the deputies “were ambushed,” the sheriff’s office said.
Cameron Ray Dennett — the man who was wanted on criminal conspiracy, forgery and second-degree computer act charges — died in the shooting, according to the release. The 25-year-old was prohibited from having a gun, the sheriff’s office said.
Kristen Porter, 28, who was wanted on two counts of forgery as well as single counts of criminal conspiracy, forgery and second-degree computer act, was taken into custody at the home and booked into the Florence County Detention Center, according to the release. Porter is not currently listed on the jail’s inmate roster.
The sheriff’s office said it asked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to lead an investigation into the shooting. Deputy Mason
Mason was relatively new to the sheriff’s office. He began his career with the agency in 2024 and graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy on March 28, 2025, according to the release. He successfully completed his field training last week, the sheriff’s office said.
“In his time with us, he demonstrated unwavering dedication, integrity, and professionalism,” August said. “Deputy Mason served the people of Darlington County with heart and honor. Though his time with us was far too short, his impact will not be forgotten. We ask that you keep Deputy Mason’s family, fellow deputies, and friends in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this difficult time together.
“Rest easy, Deputy Mason. We have the watch from here.”
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