The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating an officer-involving shooting involving the Hardeeville Police Department. This is the fourth in the state this year.
According to a release by SLED, the incident happened Friday, Jan. 23, when Hardeeville police responded to calls about a suspect trying to break into cars at the Super 8 Motel on Whyte Hardee Blvd.
Agents say when officers made contact with the man, there was an altercation which led to the exchange of gunfire. Both the officer and the suspect were shot and transported to a local hospital where the suspect later died.
The suspect has been identified by the Jasper County Coroner as 19-year-old Jayden Caldwell. The officer who was shot is recovering from his injuries.
SLED reports in 2025, there were 45 officer involved shootings in South Carolina. The Hardeeville Police Department had no officer involved shootings last year.
