A man and woman are hospitalized and an investigation is underway into what caused the state's 9th officer-involved shooting of the year. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating.
SLED reports that on March 29, a Sumter County deputy responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home on Rhea Drive where the officer found a man and injured woman outside of the residence. Investigators say the man had shot the woman prior to the deputy's arrival.
According to Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis, when the armed suspect was ordered to lower his weapon, he allegedly shot the woman again, then fired toward the deputy. The man was shot multiple times and is reportedly in critical condition at a hospital. The woman is said to be in "serious but stable" condition.
“I have requested our State Law Enforcement Division to investigate this incident," Dennis said. "However, after reviewing the evidence, it is my belief that my deputy acted appropriately to stop the threat to himself and the victim in this case, and his courageous act saved the life of the victim.”
This is the first officer-involved shooting in Sumter County this year. SLED reports there were 45 officer involved shootings in the state last year—one involving the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.
