BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.—A man who opened fire on law enforcement is now dead following a standoff, according Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis.
“We were trying to do everything we could to end the situation peacefully,” stated Lewis.
Little is still known about the suspect, and the Berkeley County’s Coroner’s Office is not releasing his identity at this time.
Just before 3:30 p.m., authorities stated that a deputy responded to Waterfowl Lane for a report of a disturbance between neighbors. At this time, investigators believe the disturbance was regarding a speeding issue in the neighborhood.
“Neighbors had some interactions with him regarding his speeding in this small neighborhood, and it escalated today with the neighbor,” stated Lewis.
When the deputy arrived on scene, he observed the suspect’s vehicle speeding in the roadway and attempted to stop the vehicle. At that point, the driver took cover, pulled out a gun and started firing a weapon at the deputy.
A deputy’s vehicle took multiple hits during the shootout. Fortunately,
he nor any other deputies were injured on the scene.
“The deputy was behind his Ford Explorer sheriff’s vehicle,
which is a small space. He was pinned down behind that, taking gunfire in a forward direction. Numerous rounds were
fired at him directly.That was his only means of cover.”
Authorities say the deputy was pinned behind his vehicle for about 30 minutes as the suspect shot at him.
During the standoff, the area of United Drive remained closed off to the public.
Multiple agencies assisted the Berkeley County Sheriff’s
Office including the Moncks Corner Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Goose Creek Police Department, South Carolina DNR, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mount Pleasant Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
More information will be reported as it becomes available.
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