South Carolina Sheriff's Deputy Fighting for His Life After Shooting
What to Know
- A traffic stop on I-85 led to a shootout between deputies and a suspect in a Dodge Challenger.
- The suspect retrieved a firearm and fired at least one shot, injuring a deputy with life-threatening injuries.
- The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, and the injured deputy's condition has not been disclosed.
ANDERSON COUNTY, South Carolina -- An Anderson County deputy was seriously injured Monday after a suspect opened fire during a traffic stop on Interstate 85.
Deputies had initiated the stop of a Dodge Challenger and were interviewing the driver when the primary deputy requested additional assistance. A second deputy responded to the scene shortly thereafter, according to an Anderson County Sheriff's Office news release.
During the encounter, the suspect retrieved a firearm from the vehicle and fired at least one shot, striking the assisting deputy. According to authorities, the deputy who initiated the stop returned fire.
The Anderson County Coroner’s Office confirmed the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained life-threatening injuries. No additional details about the deputy’s condition have been released.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has assumed lead on the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The incident remains active and ongoing.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting, including the reason for the traffic stop and the suspect’s actions prior to discharging the firearm, have not been disclosed.