Video Shows Suspect in Ambush of South Carolina Police Officer Use Incendiary Rounds
What to Know
- A Greenville police officer was shot with incendiary rounds during an ambush at the law enforcement center.
- The suspect, David Lane, fled the scene, leading to a police chase and exchange of gunfire.
- Lane was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot, with his death ruled a suicide.
GREENVILLE. South Carolina -- New details released by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) indicate that a Greenville police officer was ambushed with what investigators believe were incendiary rounds during a shooting Sunday morning at the Greenville County Law Enforcement Center.
According to SLED, the suspect, identified as 42-year-old David William Lane, allegedly fired multiple rounds into the officer’s vehicle while the officer was seated inside at the facility on McGee Street, according to WYFF-TV.
Investigators said the type of ammunition used appears to be designed to cause maximum damage. The officer was struck by gunfire, transported to the hospital for treatment, and later released.
SLED released video of the ambush Monday evening as part of its ongoing investigation into the incident.
Authorities said Lane fled the scene, and Greenville County Sheriff’s Office deputies later located his vehicle. A pursuit followed, during which SLED reported there was an exchange of gunfire and a vehicle collision involving deputies and Lane. Investigators said another exchange of gunfire occurred after the pursuit ended, and Lane was found dead inside his vehicle.
On Monday, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said Lane died from a gunshot wound to the head, and his death was ruled a suicide.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said deputies had prior contact with Lane earlier this month after receiving multiple complaints from neighbors regarding concerning comments and behavior on Jan. 1 and Jan. 2. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to and investigated each complaint but determined the behavior did not meet the threshold for criminal charges. The agency said that, as a precaution, off-duty deputies were assigned to provide security at the Huntington Downs Apartment Complex beginning Jan. 8.
The incident marks the second officer-involved shooting in South Carolina in 2026 and the first involving the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office this year, according to data cited by the agency.