The North Charleston Police Department has released information after a permitted Fourth of July block party turned violent in the Chicora-Cherokee community and gained social media attention.
Police say the trouble began around 8:30 p.m. Saturday when officers received reports of gunfire and people launching fireworks at passing cars. Attendees reportedly told officers that several individuals had started shooting firearms.
Despite repeated police announcements to end the event and orders for the crowd to disperse, multiple fights broke out and more shots were fired, police said.
Police said that when officers stepped in to restore order, they were physically attacked. Two women officers were left with minor injuries. Police said officers recovered multiple firearms and a makeshift spear.
The department said four arrests were made, three minors and one adult. At least one or two of those arrests were for assaulting an officer. Police Chief Ron Camacho said more arrests will be made.
Anyone with information or video of the shootings are asked to contact North Charleston Police through the department's Crimewatch app.
North Charleston police also thanked those in the community who helped officers during the attacks and the different law enforcement agencies that responded to assist them. This included the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, and the SC Highway Patrol.
