Seven police officers shot, one killed in standoff in S. Carolina
Suspect in custody after hostage situation
FLORENCE, S.C. — Seven South Carolina law enforcement officers were shot Wednesday, one fatally, in a confrontation with a man who held children hostage as he fired on the officers, officials said.
The suspect was taken into custody and the children weren’t hurt after a two-hour standoff in an upscale neighborhood just outside of Florence, not far from areas that were devastated by flooding from Hurricane Florence, authorities said.
The man shot three Florence County deputies from inside a home as they came to serve a warrant around 4 p.m. Wednesday, Florence County Sheriff ’s Maj. Mike Nunn said.
The suspect then shot four Florence city police officers, one fatally, as officers from all around the area swarmed in to help, Florence police Chief Allen Heidler said.
A bulletproof vehicle had to be used to rescue the wounded officers as the man held children hostage inside for two hours, Nunn said.
Officials refused to say why they were serving a warrant on the man.
They also did not name him or the officers, nor did they give the conditions for the wounded.
Both Heidler and Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone had tears in their eyes as they spoke to reporters about two hours after the standoff ended.
“I want you to pray for the family who lost the bravest police officer I have ever known,” Heidler said, visibly overcome by emotion at the news conference.
“This is simply devastating news from Florence,” Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted. “The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real.”
Thom Berry, spokesman for the State Law Enforcement Division, said the agency had sent crime scene technicians to assist officials in Florence but were not immediately requested to help with any investigation.
Authorities said the shootings happened in Vintage Place, an upscale neighborhood west of the city.
Neighbors said the community is full of brick homes and well-kept yards. Property records show several houses valued at more than $400,000.
This is the second shooting of multiple police officers in South Carolina this year. In January, a 47-year-old former banker shot four officers in York County, killing one, after his wife called 911 to report he beat her.
Christian McCall pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life without parole.