1 officer killed, 4 others wounded in South Carolina shooting; suspect in custody
Five law enforcement officers were shot Wednesday in Florence, South Carolina, CBS affiliate WBTW-TV reports, and a suspect is in custody. One of the officers has died, according to Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken. A total of three Florence County deputies and two city officers were wounded, Florence County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Glen Kirby said.
The suspect surrendered to deputies after talking with a negotiator, according to Kirby. Florence Mayor Stephen Wukela said that some of the officers are in “serious condition.”
Officials held an emotional press briefing Wednesday night saying that officers were issuing a search warrant at a residence around 4 p.m. local time when the shooting unfolded. A 2-hour standoff ensued and the suspect opened fire.
The Florence County Emergency Management Department tweeted earlier that the “active shooting situation is over and the suspect is in custody.” Officials urged people to stay away from the area.
President Trump took to Twitter shortly after the evening press conference to say “we are forever grateful for what our law enforcement officers do 24/7/365.”
This is simply devastating news from Florence. The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real. (1/2)
This is simply devastating news from Florence. The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real. (1/2)
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said special agents are assisting in the incident.
Authorities said the shooting took place in Vintage Place, an upscale neighborhood in the western part of the city. Florence is about 70 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach. The Associated Press reports that it’s home to roughly 37,000 people, sitting at the convergence of Interstates 95 and 20. It’s the largest region known as the Pee Dee, an area recently affected by heavy flooding in the wake of Hurricane Florence.
Source: CBS Evening News