10/14/09
Harkers Island, South Carolina
From the October 9, 2009 South Carolina News-Times:
BEAUFORT — No charges will be filed against the Harkers Island man who fatally shot his son in his home recently.
The County Sheriff’s Department said Thursday that District Attorney Scott Thomas would not file charges against Cleveland Hackworth, 67, who shot and killed his son, Blake Hackworth, 45, in an incident at the family residence on Harkers Island on Sept. 27.
Mr. Thomas was unable to be reached for comment by presstime.
According to Capt. Jason Wank, based upon the facts and the law, Mr. Thomas reviewed the sheriff’s department’s case and concluded the incident was a justifiable homicide and that no criminal charges will be filed against Cleveland Hackworth.
The incident occurred following a day of aggressive behavior by the son that included attempted assault on his mother and his threatening to kill her.
“Family members said Mr. Hackworth had been exhibiting combative behavior for most of the day when the shooting took place,” Chief Deputy Ken Raper said at the time of the incident.
Police reports stated Blake Hackworth died Sept. 27 from the head wound he sustained after his father shot him as the junior Hackworth attempted to attack both his father and his mother, Peggy Hackworth.
Labels: altercation, domestic dispute, SC
9/27/09
Hilton Head, South Carolina
From the Island Packet of September 23, 2009
Robber ends up running for his life after Hilton Head home owner shoots at him
A man stealing a coin collection in a Hilton Head Plantation home at noon Wednesday found himself running for his life after the homeowner shot at him and chased him out of the house.
The unidentified man, who was armed with a large stick or club, broke into a house on Teal Lane while the residents were inside, according to a news release from the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.
The intruder entered through the unlocked front door and walked down the hall into a bedroom, where he started stealing a coin collection, according to the release. The owner confronted the robber, who threatened the owner and kept taking the coins, according to the release.
The owner ran to another room, grabbed a handgun and chased the robber. The owner fired a shot and missed, and the robber drove off in an SUV. Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Cpl. Robin McIntosh said she did not know if the shot was fired while they were inside or outside the home.
The homeowner fell while chasing the robber and suffered minor injuries. His wife, who also was home, was not injured, according to the release.
The homeowner told Hilton Head Plantation security officers the robber fled in a 1990 or 1991 green or turquoise Ford Explorer driven by a second person.
The intruder dropped some of the stolen coins as he ran off, according to the release. The collection was estimated to be worth about $150, a Hilton Head Plantation official said.
The robber is described as white, in his mid-20s, about 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, with light brown hair, according to the release. He was last seen wearing khaki cargo shorts and a white, long-sleeved shirt with multi-colored stripes.
A car matching the description of the SUV was caught on video exiting the community's Cypress Gate around noon, according to a Hilton Head Plantation release.
Roadblocks were set up at that gate and the main gate, but security officials believe the robber had already left, the release said.
Peter Kristian, general manager of Hilton Head Plantation, said Wednesday afternoon it's not clear how the suspects got inside the gated community.
He said no guest passes had been issued Wednesday for Teal Lane, and the robber might be a contractor or plantation employee.
Plantation security officials were cross-referencing employee decals and gate passes with the getaway vehicle's description Wednesday afternoon, Kristian said. They also were searching surveillance tapes, he said.
Security officials suspect the intruder was trying to open unlocked doors in the neighborhood and thought the Teal Lane home was empty, Kristian said.
Labels: residence burglary, SC
9/2/09
Fort Mill, South Carolina
From WCNC of August 20, 2009
Fort Mill homeowner fires shot at intruder
One minute a Fort Mill father was watching cartoons with his 2-year-old son. The next minute he was aiming a pistol at an intruder.
It happened in the Avery Lake subdivision off Steele Street in Fort Mill just after 8 p.m. Wednesday.
"Even today I feel sick to my stomach," the victim told NewsChannel 36.
It was just a regular Wednesday night, the 24-year-old said, when he suddenly found himself defending his and his son's lives.
"I heard the glass shatter," he said.
The man asked not to be identified to protect his family's safety.
"When I heard the noise, I called 911," he said.
The noise was a burglar who had bashed in the back sliding glass door with a boulder from the yard. Police believe the intruder thought no one was home.
The homeowner -- a former police officer who left law enforcement for the ministry -- hid his son in a closet and grabbed his pistol.
"I yelled a warning at him to leave. He didn't do it. He came walking toward me and I shot at him," the victim described.
The man said in all his time on the force he never once had to shoot at a suspect.
"If I hadn't pulled the trigger I don't know what would have happened to myself and my son," he said.
The intruder got away. Fort Mill police traced his tracks to a nearby school. Investigators said they hope surveillance cameras there may have video that will help them make an arrest.
Labels: home invasion, SC
8/21/09
Fort Mill, South Carolina
From August 20, 2009 WCNC:
FORT MILL, S.C. -- One minute a Fort Mill father was watching cartoons with his 2-year-old son. The next minute he was aiming a pistol at an intruder.
It happened in the Avery Lake subdivision off Steele Street in Fort Mill just after 8 p.m. Wednesday.
"Even today I feel sick to my stomach," the victim told NewsChannel 36.
It was just a regular Wednesday night, the 24-year-old said, when he suddenly found himself defending his and his son's lives.
"I heard the glass shatter," he said.
The man asked not to be identified to protect his family's safety.
"When I heard the noise, I called 911," he said.
The noise was a burglar who had bashed in the back sliding glass door with a boulder from the yard. Police believe the intruder thought no one was home.
The homeowner -- a former police officer who left law enforcement for the ministry -- hid his son in a closet and grabbed his pistol.
"I yelled a warning at him to leave. He didn't do it. He came walking toward me and I shot at him," the victim described.
Labels: residence burglary, SC
8/14/09
Lancaster County, South Carolina
From WSOC of August 14, 2009
Man Shot Intruder, Turned Out To Be Neighbor
Authorities said a homeowner shot and killed a teenager trying to rob him Friday morning. Turns out, that teenager lived right next door.
Lancaster County sheriff's deputies said 18-year-old Jarkevious Ingram walked out of the woods on Culp Street late Thursday night with two other men. One was wearing a ski mask and two of them, including Ingram, had guns, deputies said.
Detectives said they approached 34-year-old Ed Patterson Jr. who was just getting home. According to deputies, the three men demanded Patterson's wallet and his keys.
Patterson struggled for the gun and was shot twice, once in the stomach and once in the groin. He managed to wrestle the gun away and shoot Ingram, deputies said.
Ingram walked more than 100 yards down Culp Street and collapsed on Fahbian McCullough's front porch.
"I looked out and he was lying on the porch, and there was blood everywhere," McCullough said.
He said Ingram was his friend and was at his house nearly every day. He had heard gunshots, but didn't know what was going on until he opened the door and found Ingram.
"I asked him what happened, and he said, ‘Be quiet.' He wouldn't tell me," McCullough said.
Patterson was able to drive himself to Springs Memorial Hospital, and he was later flown to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Deputies said his injuries were not life- threatening.
Mikesheia Wade is Ingram's cousin. She was at his side at the hospital when he died.
"I was there with him the whole time. I was holding his hand. He wasn't doing too well," Wade said. "I don't think he did this. The truth is going to be different than what people think.”
Lancaster County sheriff's deputies said they don't yet know why it appears Ingram tried to rob his own neighbor. Cousins said the two families have lived next door to each other for more than a year.
Major David Belk said detectives are still investigating, and it's not known if Patterson will face charges.
Deputies said they did recover the gun, a .38-caliber revolver that Patterson left in his sport utility vehicle when he drove to the hospital.
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, SC, street robbery
Charleston, South Carolina
From the SC Now of August 14, 2009
Husband, wife hold off robber until police arrive
An Horry County husband and wife fight off would-be robber inside their business.
According to a press release, a man tried to rob Ron’s Busy Corner, 5709 Juniper Bay Rd, Conway, Thursday afternoon when he placed a knife to the back of the store’s owner.
Police said Roger Lee Green, 34, of Galivants Ferry came into the store and pointed a knife to the back of the store owner while he was sitting at a table.
The owner stood up, struggled with Green, along with a customer, and took the knife away.
The owner’s wife was then able to get a pistol and hold the man there until police arrived.
Green is currently in J. Ruben Long Detention Center charged with Armed Robbery.
Labels: assault, business robbery, female, SC
7/14/09
Lexington, South Carolina
From The State of July 14, 2009
Again, a pizza, a robbery, a gunshot
A Papa John’s pizza delivery man shot and wounded a 17-year-old who called in a pizza order and then robbed him at a vacant house with a fake handgun, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department said.
The incident occurred July 5, but deputies delayed announcing it until Monday — a day after the teen was charged with robbery, and eight days after the shooting.
It was the second time in recent months that a pizza delivery man in Lexington County has shot someone trying to rob him.
The other incident was March 7, when a Pizza Hut delivery man shot and killed a 17-year-old assailant who was beating him. Deputies have arrested three other teens in that Irmo-area incident.
But neither pizza delivery man is facing charges, since authorities have ruled both shootings were in self-defense. The two delivery men carried concealed-weapon permits, deputies said.
In the most recent shooting, Sheriff James Metts is withholding the name of the pizza delivery man. He said Monday through a spokesman that deputies feared for the man’s safety — but would not give details of any threats.
The suspect, Raymond Antonio Metze, 17, of 212 Crestridge Drive, Lexington, was booked Sunday at the Lexington County Detention Center on charges of armed robbery and possessing a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. He is in jail under $100,000 bond.
A black BB pistol that resembled a semiautomatic handgun was used in the robbery, a Sheriff’s Department spokesman said.
Metze was at Palmetto Health Richland for more than a week, though details of his treatment were not released. He got out of the hospital Sunday night.
The July 5 shooting occurred in the Red Bank area of Lexington County, about a mile west of White Knoll High School.
According to warrants and reports from deputies, shortly before midnight, the 29-year-old delivery man — from Papa John’s on 3937 Platt Springs Road — brought pizza to 236 Crestridge Drive. The home was vacant.
After the delivery man knocked on the front door, a man came from the side of the house with what appeared to be a handgun and demanded cash.
The pizza delivery man gave him a little more than $200.
As the pizza delivery man left, the suspect kept pointing his fake pistol at him. Not knowing it was fake and only fired BBs, the pizza man pulled his handgun. It was real, a 9mm semiautomatic.
He fired one shot, wounding the suspect in his chest.
The suspect fled and the pizza delivery man called 911. Acting on a neighbor’s tip, deputies found the suspect within minutes, lying on a porch of a nearby house.
The suspect was airlifted to Palmetto Health Richland.
Metts said the unidentified pizza delivery man was not charged because he acted in self-defense. Deputies and the 11th Circuit solicitor’s office made the determination.
In the March shooting, pizza delivery man Christopher Miller, 43, from an Irmo-area Pizza Hut, voluntarily agreed to have his name released to the public, the Sheriff’s Department said.
The Papa John’s pizza man, a spokesman added, wants confidentiality.
Labels: minor offender, pizza delivery driver, SC
6/30/09
Holly Hill, South Carolina
From the Times and Democrat of June 30, 2009
Homeowner shot intruder, police say
A security alarm went off at a Holly Hill accountant’s residence in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday, rousing the sleeping homeowner who grabbed his gunshot, confronted an intruder standing in his doorway and shot the burglar in the shoulder.
L. Glenn Littlejohn, 71, of 1244 Peake St. interrupted the suspect, Roosevelt Elmore Jr., at around 4:55 a.m. as Elmore stood in the doorway of Littlejohn’s home, according to police.
Holly Hill Police Chief Robert Wunderlich said an unarmed Elmore allegedly forced his way though a doorway into the kitchen of the victim’s home.
Littlejohn, after being awakened by the alarm, “grabbed his shotgun, went out the back door and went around to the side of the house where the suspect made entrance and confronted the suspect in the doorway,” Wunderlich said.
He said Littlejohn shot Elmore in his right shoulder with a 12-gauge shotgun. The wounded Elmore fled the scene, and Littlejohn called 911, the chief said.
Moments later, Wunderlich said, a 30-year-old male resident of Gilmore Avenue called law enforcement after observing a man with a gunshot wound standing on his front porch.
Wunderlich said the suspect ran nearly 300 yards from Littlejohn’s house before arriving at the Gilmore Avenue residence. Holly Hill officers were able to follow a trail of blood in tracing Elmore’s escape route from Peake Street to Gilmore Avenue, he said.
“He (Elmore) had several pellet punctures in the upper shoulder area,” Wunderlich said.
Officers recovered one spent three-inch shotgun cartridge from the scene. Sgt. Andy Myers said an unspent cartridge could contain 15 pellets. Wunderlich said Elmore had 14 puncture wounds. However, he said some of the wounds may be the result of shotgun pellets exiting the suspect’s body.
Emergency crews responded and transported Elmore by helicopter to the Medical University of South Carolina, where he underwent surgery on his shoulder, Wunderlich said. He said Elmore’s injuries didn’t appear to be life-threatening.
Elmore was charged with felony first degree burglary, Wunderlich said. If convicted, he could face from 15 years to life in prison, the police chief said.
Wunderlich said Elmore is also a “person of interest” in three previous reported burglaries at Littlejohn’s home in recent months – on Dec. 24, 2008, March 5 and April 10.
Wunderlich said Elmore’s criminal rap sheet is lengthy, including convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, burglary and forgery.
The Times and Democrat attempted to contact Littlejohn; however, he was meeting with a client in Charleston at press time.
Labels: home invasion, SC
6/29/09
Bath, South Carolina
From WRDW of June 27, 2009
Armed robbery at Twisters Ice Cream Shop, suspect arrested
A man from Bath was arrested for robbing Twisters Ice Cream Shop on 421 in Bath just after 6:45 Saturday night.
Witnesses said the suspect walked into the store armed with a gun and demanded money from the employee. He was given an undisclosed amount before being confronted by the owner's son Shannon Labord.
The suspect shot at Labord hitting the counter. Labord fired back and chased the suspect while firing several more shots to a near by trailer.
23 year old Joey Taylor was arrested.
He is charged with armed robbery, assault and battery with intent to kill and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.
No one was injured during the incident.
Labels: business robbery, SC
6/18/09
Richland County, South Carolina
From WLTX of June 12, 2009
Man Shoots, Kills Robbery Suspect
Richland County deputies are investigating a fatal shooting at an apartment complex.
The incident took place at 12:01 a.m. Friday at the Colonial Villa Apartments on Garners Ferry Road.
According to deputies, a man was sitting in his car doing paperwork at the time of the confrontation. Deputies say he provides security detail for the apartments.
Deputies say a male suspect approached the car demanding the victim's handgun; however, deputies say the victim pulled out that weapon and shot the suspect.
The suspect was taken to the hospital where he later died.
WLTX.com will post further details as they become available.
Labels: private security, SC, street robbery
6/11/09
Merriweather, South Carolina
From the Edgefield Daily of June 3, 2009
Citizen holds suspected burglar at gunpoient, aids in arrest
Citizens doing their part to stop the rash of burglaries paid off after a Richmond County man was taken into custody by an armed homeowner Wednesday afternoon. Jamie Tyler, of Garrett Road, (Left) said he saw the man the Sheriff’s Office was hunting run from behind a shed in his yard and pulled his Glock 9 mm pistol and ordered the man to the ground. “I had my gun on him and yelled at him to get down, get down, or I’ll put you down.” When the suspect turned around and saw the gun pointed at him he complied and deputies arrived moments later to take him into custody.
The manhunt began after another citizen heeded recent pleas from the Sheriff’s Office to call in suspicious vehicles and reported a red Mustang pulling in and out of driveways on Republican Road around 1:30 pm. A nearby deputy responded to the area and spotted a red Mustang parked at a home at 708 Republican Road. Deputy Jessie Robles exited his car to run the license plate and a man emerged from the back corner of the house holding a small fire safe and a jewelry box. When ordered to stop the man dropped the goods and fled into the woods.
Edgefield County Sheriff Adell Dobey and every available deputy converged on the area within minutes setting up a perimeter. “We knew he was still in the area,” Sheriff Dobey said. Edgefield and Aiken County Bloodhound Teams began tracking the suspect as a SLED helicopter circled above. “I called everybody I could for help,” Sheriff Dobey said, “We weren’t going to let him get away.”
A caller reported a man fitting the description running behind Buck Tyler’s Taxidermy on the corner of Garrett Road and Martintown Road which was just a few hundred yards away from the crime scene. Deputies in the area began checking homes and informing residents of the situation. That is when Mr. Tyler said he made sure his children were safe inside of his home and went outside to keep an eye out for the suspect. That is when the man emerged and Mr. Tyler held him at gunpoint until deputies could arrive and cuff him.
(More)
5/30/09
Columbia, South Carolina
From the May 28, 2009 Columbia The State:
A 29-year-old woman who broke windows at a house behind Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia was shot in the head by the homeowner, a Richland County sheriff’s spokesman said.
The bullet grazed the woman, who was slightly injured, the spokesman said Tuesday.
The woman who broke the windows at the house at 618 Hatrick Road was trying to get in and will face charges, the spokesman said.
The homeowner will not face charges, the spokesman said. Officials did not disclose the names since no charges had been filed.
Labels: home invasion, SC
4/22/09
Spartanburg, South Carolina
From the Spartanburg Herald-Journal of April 22, 2009
Shootings found to be self-defense**Note**
Spartanburg County deputies determined that a man who shot two people Monday night outside his residence was acting in self-defense and charged the two men on Tuesday.
Daniel Scott Byrd, 22, of 115 Keith Street, Greer and Josh Duncan, 24, of 207 Church St., Wellford were each charged with one count of assault and battery.
Byrd's stomach was grazed by a bullet and Duncan was struck in the buttocks during a fight Monday night outside a Keith Street residence.
Larry James Pruitt Jr., 41, told deputies that a group of people were causing "a bad ruckus" outside his home and he asked them to keep it down. Pruitt said Byrd and Duncan then came into his yard and began choking and assaulting him.
Pruitt said he pulled a revolver from his pocket and fired several times, then ran into his home, reloaded his gun and waited for deputies.
Multiple people who said they witnessed the incident told deputies Pruitt was truthful about what happened.
When the deputy arrived, Duncan and Byrd were still on the ground outside of Pruitt's home.
Potential criminals beware, this is the third incident of self-defense in Spartanburg, SC in the past month alone.
4/13/09
Columbia, South Carolina:
From WECT of April 11, 2009
Man shot, killed while trying to rob Five Pts. AA meeting
One man is dead after a shooting in Columbia's Five Points. Police say it happened when the man tried to rob people in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
Blue lights and sirens are common in Columbia's Five Points on a Saturday night, but it's not usually because someone was killed.
"This is a very nice area, you know it's mostly college kids and all that, you never see that kind of trouble so yeah that was different," said a witness who does not want to be identified. "Yeah because I go there for meetings and from what I heard the guy went in there to rob somebody."
Police say just before 11pm Saturday 18-year-old Kayson Helms, of Edison, N.J., walked into an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at the ACOA Club, pulled out a handgun and demanded money.
That's when an AA member pulled out a gun of his own and shot first.
The witness we talked to was standing right outside, and saw Helms run out of the building.
"But he only made it like a hundred feet up and collapsed," the man said.
Helms died at the hospital. He had been shot in the neck, abdomen and chest. The whole incident is alarming to those that live nearby.
"There are times where I tell myself, no, I'm not going to walk down there with my child at this point in time," says resident Andrea Richardson.
The shooting happened right in the Richardsons' backyard.
"Listening to the TV and I heard three pops in rapid succession," says Christopher Richardson.
But some people in Five Points had no idea.
"A little nervous I guess that it happened right around the corner from where we were last night, and I had no idea about it, so I didn't know that kind of threat was around this area," says Aleksas Juskys.
It's a threat people that those that go to the ACOA Club never thought they would have to deal with.
"It's the most pleasant place you can go if you're in recovery," says the witness.
Police say the person who shot Kayson Helms is not facing any charges. They say he has a valid concealed weapons permit.
The shooting remains under investigation.
Labels: business robbery, concealed carry permit, SC
4/9/09
Charleston, South Carolina
From the WCDB of April 9, 2009
Intruder killed during shootout in North Charleston home
North Charleston police said that an armed man who tried to rob a home on Ranger Drive on Thursday was killed during a shootout with the tenant. The coroner says the suspect was 25-year-old Demario Brown from Johns Island.
Police said officers responded to the scene after a call about shots being fired.
Police say Brown, who was armed, forced two women into the home to rob them. Police say a tenant who was already inside the house, had a gun and shot Brown. Brown also fired back hitting Timothy King. King was transported to MUSC. Police say he had non-life threatening injuries. Brown died at the scene.
Labels: home invasion, SC
4/1/09
Spartanburg, South Carolina
From March 31, 2009 GoUpState.com:
Deon Shippy and his girlfriend, Casey McKinney, decided to take full advantage of their day off by catching a few extra winks Monday morning.
But their peaceful slumber was shattered shortly after 10 a.m. when an armed gunman forced his way into their duplex at 4 Twin Woods Drive near Converse and opened fire.
"We were still asleep and I heard a loud bang," Shippy said. "I thought my punching bag had fallen off the porch. Casey said someone was breaking through the door, and I got up and bullets started flying past my head. One hit her in the arm. I told her to hide under the bed and I grabbed my gun and started shooting back."
Police responded to the home invasion call at 10:15 a.m. They arrived on the scene and found McKinney bleeding from a bullet wound on her left forearm. She was taken to Spartanburg Regional Hospital for treatment and was later released.
Witnesses said the gunman and an accomplice fled the scene in a black 1980s Ford Crown Victoria with dual exhaust. They described the suspects as two black males.
Authorities said Shippy and the intruder exchanged more than a dozen shots through a bedroom door before the suspect retreated. Bullet holes were visible on the exterior of the home near Shippy's bedroom window.
Shippy said he might have wounded one of the suspects during the melee, but investigators were unable to confirm that Monday.
Labels: home invasion, SC
3/26/09
Spartanburg, South Carolina
From WYFF of March 26, 2009
Couple Shoots, Stabs Intruder
Deputies said a man who attempted to rob a Spartanburg couple ended up shot, stabbed and arrested.
Spartanburg County deputies responded to a call of an attempted robbery at a home on West Croft Circle.
Travis Morrow, who lives in the house, and his girlfriend, Aiyetoro Ross, told deputies two men tried to rob them.
Morrow said as he struggled to disarm one of the men, the gun discharged, and hit the suspect. Ross grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed the suspect. Both of the robbery suspects then ran from the house.
Deputies were later called to Mary Black Hospital where man had come into the Emergency Room suffering from a gunshot injury and a stab wound.
The injured man was identified as 20-year-old Ronald Deshawn Rice, of Spartanburg. Rice is charged with one count of attempted armed robbery and two counts of assault with intent to kill.
The second suspect has been identified as 24-year-old Ryan Dwight Ross of Pacolet, SC. He is also charged with one count of attempted armed robbery and two counts of assault with intent to kill.
Labels: assault, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, residence robbery, SC
3/12/09
Irmo, South Carolina
From March 8, 2009 WSPA channel 7:
Also in the March 8, 2009 South Carolina State:Irmo - A suspected robber is dead after officials say a pizza man shot him in during the robbery.
Lexington County Sheriff James Metts says Saturday night, four men ordered pizza to a house on Avery Place Lane with the intent of robbing whomever delivered it. None of the four lived there and officials say the homeowner did not realize his home was being used for a robbery.
Pizza Hut delivery man, 43-year-old Christopher Miller, says he showed up at the home at 10:30 p.m. and 17-year-old Paul Sturgill was standing on the sidewalk waiting for him. Officials say soon after Miller got out of the car, two other men ran at him from the woods.
When Miller started running away, that’s when authorities say Sturgill continually tried beating him in the face. Miller, who has a concealed weapons permit, says he pulled out .45 caliber handgun that he had in his fanny pack and shot Sturgill in his chest.
Sturgill was taken to the hospital where he later died.
The three other suspects ran and officials are still looking for one of the men.
He’s 18-year-old Justin Roundtree. Metts says he’s wanted for robbery and criminal conspiracy. Roundtree is a member of a criminal gang and is 5-foot-5 and weighs 160 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.
An Irmo pizza delivery man ambushed by a group of young men shot and killed one of his assailants, an Irmo High School senior, late Saturday, causing the others to flee, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department said this afternoon.Alleged robber Paul Andrew Sturgill Jr., 17, of Kenna Drive near Irmo, was pronounced dead of at least one gunshot wound later at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital, Sheriff James Metts said. An autopsy will be performed Monday.
Relatives and neighbors expressed shock over the death of Sturgill, whom they said had been an honor student and musician. His family said he planned to join the Army, with a goal of becoming an airborne ranger, after graduating from Irmo High School this year.
The family showed photos of a tall, slender, clean-cut young man.
The pizza delivery man, Christopher Steven Miller, 43, had a concealed weapons permit and was trying to retreat from the suspects while being beaten by one attacker, Metts said.
At this point, Metts said, it appears that Miller acted within the law and will not face any charges. However, police have made no final decisions and will discuss the incident with prosecutors, he said.
One of the suspected robbers, Justin Towan Roundtree, 18, of Emery Lane near Irmo, left the scene but turned himself in around 9:15 p.m. tonight, the sheriff's department said. He is charged with robbery and criminal conspiracy. Roundtree is suspected of having a connection to a gang, Metts said. Metts did not have details.
The dead youth, Sturgill, supposedly had a good reputation and people whom detectives are interviewing are surprised that he might have been involved in a robbery, Metts said.
Metts said the incident happened about 10:30 p.m. on Avery Place Lane near Irmo, near Irmo High School off St. Andrews Road. An order had been called in to Pizza Hut on Irmo Drive for two large, thin-crust pizzas with extra cheese for delivery to a house on Avery Lane. However, when Miller showed up with the pizzas, he was met by a young man outside the house to whom he was delivering the pizza, Miller told detectives.
In fact, Metts said, the suspects had called the order in on a cell phone. The people who lived in the house had no knowledge of the pizza request, Metts said.
Labels: concealed carry permit, pizza delivery driver, SC
2/25/09
Lexington County, South Carolina
From The State of February 21, 2009
Homeowner holds suspect at bay in pool
A Lexington County man suffered cuts — but still was able to detain a man police say was caught breaking into his home Thursday.
The homeowner held the man — at gunpoint — in his swimming pool.
Ruben Silva-Aguilar, 19, of Lexington, was arrested on charges of first-degree burglary and assault and battery with intent to kill in connection with the incident, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department said. Silva-Aguilar is being held at the county detention center, awaiting a bail hearing.
Reports indicate a homeowner on Gilbert Springs Court near Batesburg-Leesville arrived home Thursday as a burglary was taking place.
According to reports, items were being carried out of the home’s back door when the homeowner was cut on the arm with a knife. The homeowner managed to throw the man into the pool.
Deputies responded at about 3:35 p.m. to a call about a burglary in progress, Metts said. A neighbor directed them to the home’s backyard, where they found the homeowner — armed with a rifle — had forced the suspect to stand in the middle of the in-ground pool, reports say.
Labels: residence burglary, SC
1/17/09
Dalzell, South Carolina
From the Sumpter Item of January 17, 2009
Armed robbery goes awry
A masked bandit tried to rob the wrong store Thursday night.
A police report said about 11:19 p.m. a black man in his mid to late 20s brandished a shotgun at a 73-year-old store owner, demanded money and fired once, hitting the wall behind the owner. The store owner pulled out his own gun and returned fire and called 911 as the man fled the store on foot.
Smoking a cigarette not long after lunch time Friday, Milton McCarty leaned on the counter behind the cashier’s area, a half cup of coffee in a styrofoam cup resting near his elbow. He said he’s owned McCarty’s Super Convenience Store at 3909 Camden Highway for 40 years and when he works at night, he always carries his weapon, declining to say exactly what kind.
“He fired at me and I fired back at him and it was over with,” he said matter of factly, “and he took to running.”
He quickly dialed 911, he said, and officers were on the scene in minutes.
“I think I got him in the face a little bit, and that was it,” he said.
The robber — having robbed nothing actually — ran out the door heading east on Camden Highway, McCarty said, hooking his thumb in the air, pointing behind him. McCarty simply shook his head and let out a laugh when asked what he was thinking when the gunman opened fire.
“I carry mine (his weapon) all the time,” he said. “Everything’s fine.”
McCarty said this wasn’t the first time he’s had to use his gun while working, either.
“I shot one other fellow,” a while back, he said, but declined to get into details.
The suspect is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall and 165 pounds. He was wearing a black jacket, black shoes, blue jeans and a mask McCarty said was navy blue.
Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said investigators were working to enhance the video images of the man and said they were unsure if the man left in a car after running out of the store.
“We’re not sure if there was a vehicle,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Labels: business robbery, SC, senior
1/7/09
Florence County, South Carolina
From South Carolina Now of December 22, 2008
3 arrested in Florence County home invasion
The sheriff’s office is still investigating a second home invasion case that happened a week ago and left one man dead.
The shooting happened about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday at a 317 Plantation Drive residence outside Lake City, Boone said. Four men walked up to the door and fired shots into the residence.
A man who was inside fired shots back, hitting and killing one of the intruders, Boone said.
The dead man was identified as 23-year-old Shawn Singletary of 532 Shantay Lane in Lake City, Florence County Coroner M.G. “Bubba” Matthews said.
Investigators still are looking for the three other suspects, Boone said.
It’s not clear whether the man inside the home will face any criminal charges in connection with the shooting, Boone said.
Anyone with details about this crimes is asked to call the sheriff’s office (843) 665-2121 or CrimeStoppers of the Pee Dee at (888) CRIME SC (274-6372).
From Carolina Live of December 17, 2008
One killed in shooting
Just after 10:30 Tuesday night, four men forced their way into a home on Plantation Road in Lake City.
Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone says a man inside the house shot and killed 23-year-old Shawn Singletary.
Boone says deputies are investigating to see if they will treat the murder as a homicide or self-defense.
"We feel like the occupant of the home was defending himself, and discharged his weapon resulting in the death of the intruder," said Sheriff Boone.
Florence County Coroner Bubba Matthews told NewsChannel 15 that autopsy reports confirm Singletary was shot five times.
Police said they have several more witnesses to interview, and are still looking for the three other men involved in the home invasion.
Labels: home invasion, SC
12/27/08
Columbia, South Carolina
From December 15, 2008 WIS channel 10:
COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - The Richland County Sheriff's Department is investigating a shooting on Shakespeare Road Wednesday in Columbia.
"I hope he don't die and if he comes back and look around, don't touch nothing else," says Sam Banks, talking candidly about the man he says tried to steal from his store. "I didn't go into business to lose money. We aren't making that much now, but I'm not about that losing."
The retired veteran wasn't at the store he co-owns with his wife Wednesday afternoon.
Deputies says around 3:00pm a man came in, tried to walk out with some liquor and got shot."I think they should respect the store owners property and their rights," says Banks.
Banks' wife, too shaken to talk on camera, said she was knitting a blanket when a young man walked into the S&H ABC Package Store on Shakespeare Road.
She says the man asked the price of a bottle of liquor. When she told him, he backed away from the counter and started to look around.
She says the man then crossed the employees-only chain, grabbed two bottles and headed toward her.
That's when she grabbed her .38 and fired two shots.
At least one person agrees with how she handled it.
"We have too many robbers in this neighborhood, all over the place. They're robbing for money, so the lady protected herself. She did the right thing," says Barbra Simmons.
The store has been around 10 years, and Banks says this is not the first time someone has tried to steal from him.
He has some advice for other would-be robbers: "The good book says thou shall not steal. Don't do that," he says.
Deputies say 28-year-old Oxvaria Ingram will be charged with strong-arm robbery.
As for the store owner, investigators haven't determined if she will face any charges.
Labels: business robbery, female, SC
Walhalla, South Carolina
From December 23, 2008 UpstateToday.com:
WALHALLA — The Oconee County Sheriff’s Department incident report lists Donnie Murphy as the victim, but it appears the suspect arrested for the burglary of Murphy’s house might have gotten the worst end of the deal.
Sheriff’s deputies responded Sunday afternoon to a burglary call at 163 Murphy Drive in Walhalla and learned that Murphy had shot a burglar in the buttocks. Kirby Alan Ridley was later brought into custody on burglary charges at a Ranger Road home in Walhalla and sent to Oconee Medical Center for treatment of his wound.
The report summary states Murphy told officers he was in the bathroom when he heard a noise near his kitchen. He then walked out of the bathroom, retrieved his .22 pistol from his closet, and discovered a man standing in front of his fireplace. After telling the burglar to stop, the subject allegedly reached into his pocket as if to get a gun or weapon and began walking back towards the kitchen, at which point Murphy shot him.
Deputies located Kirby, called an ambulance and followed him to Oconee Medical Center.
Labels: residence burglary, SC
12/22/08
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
From South Carolina Now of December 12, 2008
Suspect shot to death during apparent home burglary in Myrtle Beach
A home invasion leaves one man dead and another is on the lose.
County police say, around 9 last night, two suspects broke into a house on Burcale Road in Myrtle Beach.
Police are investigating the shooting death that occurred at Courtyard 1 Apartments on Burcale Road, that’s near the Clay Pond village community.
They say, the owner was home at the time of the robbery and shot one suspect while the other took off.
Police also tell News 13, that neighbors living next to the burglary victim’s apartment heard gun shots and a round of gunfire went through their apartment wall.
When police arrived at the house they say, the owner was just putting down his gun when they saw one of the suspects lying on the ground dead with two gun shot wounds.
The deceased suspect is, 22-year-old Lamont Lee Reed Durrell of Georgetown.
Police took the burglary victim into custody but was later released.
They say he was assaulted but not hurt during the altercation of the home invasion.
Sgt. Robert Kegler of the Horry County Police Department confirms that no charges will be filed against the home owner.
“Every situation when it comes to a home owner defending himself inside of his is different” says Sgt. Kegler, “There’s a lot of things we need to do before our case is closed”.
Police are looking to charge the run away suspect with burglary, armed robbery and assault with intent to kill.
They are asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect who escaped the scene before police arrived.
They hope a description may help them lead to that home invader. He is described as a white male in his twenties about 5ft 10’, thin built, wearing all dark clothing, a dark hat and a blue bandanna over his face. He is possibly from Georgetown as well.
Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to call the Horry County Police Department at 915-5350 or 915-TIPS.
Labels: home invasion, SC
12/18/08
Newberry, South Carolina
From WISTV of December 15, 2008
One dead, four charged in apparent robbery attempt
The Newberry Police Department is investigating a shooting over the weekend that left a would-be robber dead.
According to Newberry Police Chief Jackie Swindler, the investigation started Saturday night when 35-year-old Willie Hiller was found dead in the driveway of a home on 1st Street.
At about that same time, a man went to the police station and told officers that he shot into a crowd of people as they attempted to rob his apartment at the Palmetto Point Apartments.
That apartment complex is near the location that Hiller's body was found.
The man who fired the shots told investigators a group of people tried to rob him at his apartment, and in self-defense, he fired into the group.
Police say it started around 9:30pm, when a 13-year-old came knocking.
They say the resident recognized the child and opened the door. Soon after that, police say 5 others rushed the apartment trying to get inside.
"The plan was for all of them to gain entry and get inside and rob the individuals of this house," Swindler said.
Investigators are still trying to work out the details but tell News 10 that the man who fired the shots will more than likely not be charged, as it appears he acted in self-defense.
Four people have been charged, including 18-year-old Jessica Sligh, with attempted armed robbery and attempted burglary.
"It's just sad that people make choices and consequences are grave. It's just a tragedy all the way around," Swindler said.
Apartment manager Lee Pannier cleaned up Monday morning. He said his tenant made the right call.
"First thing you think of is protect your family," Pannier said.
Pannier also said that his tenant is well-known to the community and is a good guy. As for the shooting, he said, "Nothing remotely like this has ever happened before."
Authorities say they are looking for another adult; six people were involved all together, they say.
Labels: SC, trespassing
11/25/08
Green Pond, South Carolina
From the Post and Courier of November 26, 2008
Intruder shot while entering house
A man who was at home when someone tried to break into his residence on Monday apparently shot the burglar as he was coming through a bedroom window, authorities said.
Colleton County deputies arrived about 9:30 a.m. at the home on Turkey Hill Lane and learned that the homeowner had fired his gun at someone coming in the window but found no suspects on the property. They later got a call from a woman nearby who said her 15-year-old grandson had been shot, Sheriff George Malone said.
The boy was taken to Colleton County Regional Medical Center, treated and taken to jail, Malone said. He and a 16-year-old boy and an adult were all charged with second-degree burglary, the sheriff said.
Malone identified the adult as as Larry Speaks, 20, of Green Pond.
Labels: home invasion, minor offender, SC
11/13/08
Sandy Springs, South Carolina
From WYFF of November 12, 2008
Store Clerk Fires Shot At Would-Be Robber
An Anderson County convenience store clerk shot at a would-be robber Wednesday night.
Police said a man tried to rob the Sunoco on Highway 76 and Millwee Creek Road in the Sandy Springs area of Anderson County just before 10 p.m.
Susann Griffin with Anderson County police said the man pointed a gun at the store's clerk and demanded money.
The clerk told the man to hang on a second while he got the money together, and then pulled out a gun and fired a shot at the robber.
Police said they don't think the man was hit, but he fled the scene.
Deputies searched the scene with tracking dogs.
Labels: business robbery, SC
10/8/08
Spartenburg, South Carolina
From WYFF of October 8, 2008
Police: Employees Disarm, Hold Would-Be Robber
Officers were called to a drive-in restaurant Tuesday night where employees disarmed and restrained a robbery suspect.
Employees at Boots and Sonny’s Drive-in on East Henry Street said that an armed man had come into the business through an unsecured rear service door at about 9 p.m.
They said that the man pointed a silver handgun at employees and demanded money from the safe.
The employees scuffled with the man and disarmed him. They restrained him in the kitchen until officers arrived.
Officers arrested 21-year-old Alvin Dean Edwards of Spartanburg. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Labels: business robbery, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, SC
9/3/08
Greenville, South Carolina
From WHNS of September 3, 2008
Home Invader Shot Twice, Deputies Say
Greenville County deputies said they are investigating a home invasion that ended with an exchange of gunfire between the resident of the home and the burglar.
The break-in happened at 669 Rutherford Road at the Magnolia Place Apartments just before 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Investigators said someone forced their way into one of the apartments. They said once the burglar was inside, the resident of the apartment opened fire, hitting the burglar twice. The burglar also opened fire, they said.
The intruder was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital to be treated for his injuries. The resident was not injured.
Neither the name of the victim nor the injured person was released.
Labels: home invasion, SC
8/9/08
Hilton Head, South Carolina
From the August 9, 2008 Island Packet:
Slow driving led to a confrontation between a 22-year-old Citadel student and an unidentified man involving a baseball bat and a pistol on Hilton Head Island on Thursday afternoon, according to a Beaufort County Sheriff's Office incident report.
The student, who was lost, had been driving slowly on Beach City Road looking for a doctor's office when he pulled into a parking lot to look at a map, according to the report.
A man driving a Porsche pulled in behind him and approached him carrying a baseball bat. The man was yelling about the student's driving.
The student pulled a Glock 23 pistol from his glove box and got out of his car, the report stated.
The man with the bat put his hands up, returned to the Porsche and drove away.
The student called the sheriff's office from his parents' Hilton Head home. He was not charged in the incident.
Labels: road rage, SC, student defender
7/16/08
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
From Myrtle Beach Online of July 16, 2008
Clerk shoots at man trying to rob store
A clerk at a local convenience store on North Kings Highway shot at a man who tried to rob the store last night, according to Myrtle Beach police officials.
The incident happened around 6 p.m. Tuesday when a man walked into the store and demanded money.
The clerk pulled out a handgun from under the counter, shot at the man, and missed, said Capt. David Knipes, Myrtle Beach Police's public information officer.
The bullet hit a wall, Knipes said. He said the man fled out the door.
The case is under investigation.
Labels: business robbery, SC
7/15/08
Marietta, South Carolina
From the Greenville News of July 15, 2008
Marietta resident shoots suspected rabid fox
Phillip Bowers said he believes a fox that lunged at him this morning outside his Marietta home was rabid, though he says he managed to shoot the fox in midair just before it reached him.
This morning, Bowers said he went outside and heard a fox clawing at the lattice that stretches across the bottom of the porch of his Marietta home near Hannon Road.
The fox emerged from underneath the porch and appeared to be "staggering" and his eyes were "blurry," Bowers said. "He was just skin and bones," he said, "and he had sores all over him."
Bowers said the fox growled at him and jumped toward him. Bowers, who had grabbed his 40-gauge shotgun when he heard the noise, said he shot the fox in midair about six feet from him.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control told Bowers to dispose of the fox himself because it was on private property and had not bitten him.
The danger of burying a possibly rabid fox and another animal contracting the disease is small, because a rabies virus dies within about 20 minutes after the animal dies, said Peden Cook, director of the Greenville County health department's general sanitation.
"The virus does not last long if the host animal is dead," Cook said.
No public services are available to remove dead animals from private property, Cook said, but health officials will come out and cut off the head of an animal that has bitten someone and will send it to Columbia to be tested for rabies. The disease is detected by examining brain tissue.
Foxes are out and about this time of year because it's breeding season and foxes are often gathering food for their young, Cook said.
Laurens, South Carolina
From Fox Carolina of July 15, 2008
Man Remodeling Home Kills Intruder, Deputies Say
Deputies said a man who was sleeping in a home he was remodeling shot and killed an intruder who woke him up early Tuesday morning.
The shooting happened at ½ Stevens St. just off Watts Street around 12:30 a.m.
Deputies said the man who is remodeling the home actually lives across the street, but had decided to sleep at the project home.
Something woke the homeowner up and he found someone inside the home, deputies said. They said the man fired twice at the intruder, killing him.
Deputies said the case appears to be self defense and that no charges will be filed.
The State Law Enforcement Division was called in to help with the investigation.
Labels: home invasion, intruder, SC
6/9/08
Greenville, South Carolina
From WSPA of June 9, 2008
Home Invasion Ends in Shooting
Investigators want to track down two intruders following a home invasion early Monday morning. The Laurens County Sheriff's Office says three people kicked in the door of a home on Fairview Road near Fountain Inn around 12:45 am Monday.
The homeowner reports being dragged out of the bedroom and beaten. Deputies say the man went for his gun and shot at the robbers. One suspect was hit and made it to Saint Francis Hospital. He is now at Greenville Hospital System. We don't know his condition.
The homeowner went to Hillcrest Hospital in Simpsonville.
Deputies ae trying to track down the two other home invaders. If you have any information call 9-1-1.
Labels: assault, home invasion, SC
6/5/08
Columbia, South Carolina
From WIS TV of June 2, 2008
No charges after barbershop owner shoots man during fight
A Columbia barbershop owner says he was just protecting himself.
Johnny Cole admits he shot a man at his business Monday, but Tuesday he told WIS News 10 he had no choice.
Now Columbia police say they're not charging either man in the incident, and are considering the case closed.
Capt. Thomas Dodson says the solicitor's office doesn't have enough evidence to support a charge, and police could not locate a witness.
"My back's real sore. And my neck. But you know, the hard cement ain't no joke," says Cole.
Cole says it was self-defense, that he was trying to protect himself from a guy who punched him in the face and body-slammed him on the floor of his barber shop.
"I don't know what his problem. Don't know what his motivation. I don't know nothing about that. I don't even know the guy," says Cole.
Cole runs the shop at Richland and Sumter Street, where he's been cutting hair at the location for almost 20 years.
Cole says he's never had trouble here before until Monday afternoon, when a car stopped at the intersection then backed up.
Cole recognized a woman passenger, and spoke to her. He says next thing he knew, the man with her was on the attack.
"He hit me first. And then I defend myself and when I defend myself, he reached for the bag I had on my shoulder," says Cole.
The fight moved inside, and finally Cole says, he grabbed his gun. One shot was fired, hitting 44-year-old Anthony Sylvester Williams in the forearm.
No charges have been filed so far, because police Captain Thomas Dodson says it's still not clear which man was the aggressor.
"Under the new state law, under the Castle Doctrine, there's no duty for a person to retreat, that's being assaulted. But once that attacker starts to retreat, to flee, that's where we have to find out where to draw the line," says Dodson.
Dodson says police are still talking to witnesses and trying to track down the woman in the car. Cole identifies her as an ex-girlfriend.
We've not been able to locate Williams, the man shot in the arm, to get his side of the story. Police say he was not seriously wounded.
Labels: altercation, SC
5/29/08
Sumpter County, South Carolina
From WLTX of May 25, 2008
Store Owner Shoots Robbery Suspects
After a weekend full of robberies in Sumter County, deputies are investigating another incident that they don't believe are related to the other four.
Deputies say that early Saturday morning, two teenagers broke in to Dixon's Grocery on Highway 261 in Rembert.
Authorities say that the owner of the store arrived and was able to shoot two of the suspects with bird shots, who were attempting to steal alcohol. When Sumter County deputies arrived at Dixon's, the suspects had taken off.
An incident report says that Sumter dispatch received a call from 17-year-old Philip Steinle, who said he was on his way to the hospital with two people who had been shot in a neighborhood behind Wal-Mart on Broad Street.
Steinle was pulled over by a city police officer, who discovered that the two passengers had apparently been shot by a shotgun with a bird shot. The city officer was then notified by a Sumter County deputy of the incident at Dixon's Grocery.
One of the teens, a 16-year-old from Hopkins, is at Sumter's Tuomey Hospital in fair condition, while the other, 17-year-old Dontrell Jenkins, was airlifted to Palmetto Richland.
Steinle admitted to authorities that he waited in a car while Jenkins and the 16-year-old attempted to break in to Dixon's. Steinle said that both teens ran back to the car, injured.
Steinle was taken to the Sumter County jail, where he is being charged with burglary and larceny.
Labels: business burglary, minor offender, SC
Spartanburg, South Carolina
From The State of May 24, 2008
No charges expected in fatal Spartanburg County shooting
Authorities say they don't plan to charge a man who shot another man who tried to hit his estranged wife with his truck.
The coroner's office told WSPA-TV that 36-year-old Kenneth Ross Jr. of Greer was shot several times early Saturday morning and died at the hospital.
Deputies say Ross confronted his estranged wife and a male friend at her Spartanburg home and tried to hit the woman with his truck, but struck her car instead.
Authorities say Ross then started coming toward his estranged wife. The man got his gun and ordered Ross to stop.
Deputies say Ross kept getting closer, so the man fired.
Investigators say they consulted with prosecutors and decided not to charge the shooter because he was acting in self defense.
Labels: domestic dispute, SC
4/23/08
Statesville, North Carolina
From April 17, 2008 WSCO channel 9:
STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Statesville officers drove slowly and watched closely as they patrolled the neighborhood where gunshots erupted along School Street on Wednesday afternoon. A day care center is just yards away.
Margaret Campbell, a concerned neighbor, said, "It's dangerous for the day care and the neighbors. I'm a senior citizen I can't walk fast, much less run."
Detectives said the frightening incident started when a man with a gun broke into a house, demanded money and then fired a warning shot. That's when a robbery turned into a shootout.
According to detectives, the gunman shot at the house while he ran away. At the same time, two of the victims inside shot at the robber.
2/20/08
Columbia County, South Carolina
From February 19, 2008 WJBF:
Columbia County, GA -- There is a $1,000 reward offered for the capture of a burglary suspect in Columbia County.
That reward is being offered by the West Lake Homeowners Association.
Investigators say the thief was confronted by a homeowner. When the thief pulled a gun, the homeowner shot at him. The thief then ran off.
Investigators say the suspect's gun was stolen from another car in the subdivision.
Labels: residence burglary, SC
2/12/08
Allsbroom, South Carolina
From the Allsbroom man disarms would-be robber of February 12, 2008
Allsbroom man disarms would-be robber
Last Friday was an evening for break-ins in Loris, bringing victims to believe they might be related.
Bill Kaufmann, owner of The Sod Farm, was in bed like any other evening, when he heard a knock on his front door the evening of Jan. 25.
"They were waiting on us to shut our lights off," Kaufman said.
Thinking it was his foreman, Ronnie Thompson, Kaufmann opened the door, only to find a man holding a knife and threatening to kill him.
Kaufmann, who used to train police officers, managed to get the knife away from the suspect, and get to his shotgun that he kept in his bedroom.
"I could tell by the way he was holding the knife that he had never done this kind of thing before," Kaufmann said.
When the suspect saw the gun, he ran out of the house, just about the same time that three others suspects had broken a door down to get into the trailer Kaufmann uses for the Sod Farm's office.
"They had to know where we kept the petty cash, because they went right for that drawer, but we had happened to move it, so they didn't get cash, just deposit slips," Kaufmann said.
The burglary took place just across U.S. 701 from another burglary that happened earlier that morning on Barrett St., where safe and other items had been stolen. Two suspects were arrested following that break-in.
While there have been no reports that the two are related, one of the suspects that was arrested for the Barrett St. burglary, is listed as a possible suspect on the police report for The Sod Farm break-in.
Kaufmann believes that it was someone who worked for him previously because they knew exactly where the money was kept.
"They had to know where we kept the money, we have some idea of who it could be," Kaufmann said.
As for now, Kaufmann said that they have upgraded their security system at their home and office, and hope that it will keep them safe in the future.
"It was a wake up call to us, we though the deadbolts would be enough, and it wasn't," he said.
"It was quite an alarming experience," He said.
Kaufmann, who said that he could have shot the suspect, but didn't, said that people in the area need to know what is happening so they can protect themselves as well.
"People need to know that these kids are going around, busting in on people, the next person might shoot them," Kaufmann said.
Labels: home invasion, residence robbery, SC
1/16/08
Cross Hill, South Carolina
From the WSPA of January 15, 2008
Cross Hill Woman Comes Home, Kills Intruder
A Cross Hill woman returned home to find an intruder inside, and then shot and killed him. The incident happened about 8pm this evening on Pineland Shores Road. Laurens County Sheriff Ricky Chastain tells News Channel 7 that the woman heard someone in the home, grabbed a weapon, and saw him hiding in one of the rooms. She then shot him. It was not until after she shot him that she realized she knew him. Chastain says robbery appears to be the motive.
Investigators will now present the case to Solicitor Jerry Peace to determine if the woman will be charged. No names were released this evening.
Further links:
Laurens Co. Woman Shoots And Kills Home Invader
Labels: female, residence burglary, SC, trespassing
1/7/08
Spartanburg, South Carolina
From January 7, 2008 WYFF channel 4:
SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Two people are facing burglary and attempted robbery charges after an apartment break-in led to one of them being shot.
The break-in and shooting happened late Saturday night in at the Campus Edge Apartments in Spartanburg County, near USC-Upstate.
Jeremy Lee and Jacob Holland, are charged with first degree burglary and attempted armed robbery after deputies said that the door of an apartment was kicked open.
Investigators said that a person living in the apartment opened fire with a shot gun.
Labels: home invasion, SC
1/4/08
Summerville, South Carolina
From WISTV of January 4, 2008
Man won't face charges for shooting roommate in Summerville
Prosecutors have decided not to charge a man who shot his roommate three times.
Authorities say 25-year-old Joseph Harriott threw 24-year-old Brian Sessoms out of his Summerville home New Year's Day after Sessoms hit his 16-year-old girlfriend, then warned him he would shoot if he broke back in the home.
Police say Sessoms climbed back into the house through a window on the second floor, and Harriott shot him as he came down the stairs.
Prosecutors say Harriott then tried to treat Sessoms' wound to the stomach, but Sessoms kept fighting. Harriott shot his roommate two more times.
Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson says she decided not to charge Harriott because state law for self-defense says if the first shot is justified, a person can keep shooting until a threat is eliminated.
Further links:
Shooting 911 Tape - No Charges Filed
Deadly Shooting Ruled Self Defense
Labels: domestic dispute, home invasion, SC
11/28/07
Darlington County, South Carolina
From South Carolina Now of November 28, 2007
Darlington County woman shot after home invasion
Darlington County Sheriff's deputies are searching for a man who they claim shot a woman after breaking into her residence. According to Darlington County Chief Deputy Tom Gainey, the incident happened around 9:40am on 108 Woodhaven Drive. Gainey says someone broke into the house and a woman inside got her own pistol to defend herself. The suspect then managed to take the pistol away from the woman and shot her in the leg. He then fled the scene on foot through some nearby woods. The woman, who's name has not been released yet , was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Chief Gainey describes the suspect as a black male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, and toboggan.
Chief Gainey says the Sheriff's Bloodhound Team is now actively searching the area for the suspect. Nearby Darlington High School is now under lockdown until further notice according to Chief Gainey.
Labels: defender shot, home invasion, SC
11/27/07
Columbia, South Carolina
From The State of November 26, 2007
No charges filed against 15-year-old
No charges have been filed against a 15-year-old boy who police say was trying to protect his mother when he shot and killed his stepfather Saturday.
Deputies had been dispatched to the Fairforest Drive apartment previously for domestic-related calls, said Richland County Sheriff’s department spokesman Lt. Chris Cowan.
Roosevelt Carter, 42, of 100 Fairforest Drive, Apt. No. 7 died at 9:32 a.m. Saturday at Palmetto Health Richland. He had been shot in the upper body.
The preliminary investigation indicates a domestic disturbance occurred inside the home. The boy’s name and age have not been released because of his age.
Further links:
Boy may have shot stepfather to protect mom
Sheriff: Man Shot, Killed By Step-son
Labels: domestic abuse, minor defender, SC
10/25/07
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
From October 25, 2007 Myrtle Beach Online:
A man who broke into a house Thursday morning on 44th Avenue North at Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach was shot in the hand by someone in the house, said Myrtle Beach Police Lt. Doug Furlong.
Emergency operators dispatched police to the scene at 10:40 a.m.
The burglary suspect, who has not yet been charged, was transported to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. No one else was injured, Furlong said.
Labels: home invasion, SC
10/23/07
Spartanburg, South Carolina
From Greenville’s WYFF4.com of October 23, 2007
Deputies: Homeowner Shoots 2 BurglarsFrom the MyrtleBeachOnline.com of October 24, 2007
Spartanburg County deputies said two home invasion robbers were shot early Tuesday morning by the man who lived in the home they tried to burglarize.
Deputies said that the men forced their way into the home on Harley Court about 4 a.m. The man who lives in the home said that he got his pistol and fired several shots at the men, who ran away.
Investigators said that Lashawn D. Miller, 22, and Haldane D. Oden, 21, were located a short time later in the emergency room at Mary Black Hospital. Both men had gunshot wounds.
The sheriff's office said that Miller and Oden will be charged with first-degree burglary.
There was no immediate word on the extent of their injuries.
Homeowner who shoots would-be robbers faces no charges
A 31-year-old man will not face charges for shooting two men who broke into his home, authorities said.
Lamont Dawkins said he grabbed his pistol and hid behind his refrigerator after hearing glass break and his back door being kicked about 4 a.m. Tuesday.
Dawkins said he fired several rounds as two men entered, and they ran away. Investigators found Lashawn Miller, 22, and Haldane Oden, 21, both of Spartanburg, in a hospital emergency room.
"I was scared at first, but now I feel good. I just didn't want nothing to happen to me," Dawkins told WYFF News 4.
Miller was treated for a gunshot wound to his right arm and Oden was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Authorities said both face first-degree burglary charges.
Dawkins will not be charged because he used the weapon to defend himself, authorities said.
Labels: residence robbery, SC
10/9/07
Laurens, South Carolina
From GreenvilleOnline.com of October 9, 2007
Two robbery suspects may have gunshot wounds
Greenville police were searching tonight for two men who may have been shot as they attempted to rob the Concrete Jungle on Laurens Road this afternoon, spokesman Cpl. Jason Rampey said.
The store’s operator told investigators that he fired multiple times when the two walked in and tried to rob the store at 1810 Laurens Road at about 4 p.m., Rampey said.
Police haven’t said how many shots were fired. "He shot more than once," Rampey said. The name of the store operator hasn’t been released.
Police notified all area hospitals that one or two men may be seeking treatment for a gunshot wound, Rampey said. "When we have something like this, we notify all the area hospitals," he said. "If there’s a gunshot wound staggering in, they notify us."
The two men "fled on foot away" from Laurens Road toward Blakely Road, Rampey said.
One man was described as a black male in his 30s and about 6 feet, 1 inch, weighing about 190 pounds and wearing a white T-shirt, blue shorts and a day-old beard, Rampey said.
The second man was described as a black male in his 20s, about 5 feet, 10 inches, weighing about 180 pounds, and wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts, a black hat and white shoes.
Labels: business robbery, SC
9/26/07
Mont Clare, South Carolina
From South Carolina Now of September 26, 2007
Darlington County home invasion suspect shot to deathFrom WPDE of October 1, 2007
Deputies are investigating a series of home invasions that happened this morning, one of which led to the shooting death of a suspect, according to a press release from the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded the first call at a residence on Pan Road just north of Darlington about 1:45 a.m. They were told five black men dressed in black and armed with weapons were seen kicking in the front door of the residence. The suspects abruptly left in a vehicle, however.
The second call came in about 2 a.m. at a residence on Selena Drive, farther north of Darlington than the scene of the first call. A resident reported hearing several gunshots. He said he got up and checked, but didn’t see a vehicle. He did notice a bullet hole near the window of a back bedroom, though.
Moments later, a third call came in from a residence on London Fog Drive where an unknown number of suspects armed with weapons broke in and confronted several people inside. One of the people in the residents managed to escape into a bedroom and shut the door, but one of the suspects followed and kicked in the door.
Gunfire was exchanged between the two. The occupant was struck by a bullet, while the suspect suffered a shotgun blast to the chest. The intruders fled the residence, but the one who had been shot was found in the back yard. An EMS crew examined him and he was pronounced dead at the scene by Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee.
The dead man has been identified as 21-year-old Dewayne Antron Washington, Hardee said in a press release. He said Washington was shot while at a residence near Jeffords Mill Road near Mont Clare, a community north of Darlington.
No charges in home invasion
Police say they won't file charges against a Darlington County homeowner, who officers say shot and killed a man after that man invaded his home.
It happened at a home on London Fog Drive in Darlington County last week. Deputies say several men invaded the house.
Officers say gunshots were exchanged between the homeowner and one of the intruders. Deputies say both were wounded and the intruder, Dewayne Washington, died.
We're told the homeowner is recovering in the hospital.
Labels: home invasion, SC
Union, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WLTX.com of September 26, 2007
Funeral Home Owner Shoots Robber During Crime
Police in Union say a funeral home owner stopped a robbery by shooting a suspect.
It happened early Wednesday morning at Lewis Funeral Home on Duncan Bypass in Union.
Police say the funeral home owner, Scott Lewis, was embalming a body when a man came in with a gun. Investigators say the suspect threatened to kill Lewis if he didn't get money.
Officers say Lewis told the robber he needed to go to the van to get cash. When they reached the vehicle, Lewis turned around and shot the robber in the arm.
The suspect, 26-year-old Tracy Bishop, is receiving treatment in the hospital and will face several charges. Lewis will not face any charges.
Labels: business robbery, SC
9/25/07
Lydia, South Carolina
From Myrtle Beach’s WPDE.com of September 24, 2007
Attempted robbery suspect shot and killedFrom Florence’s SCNow.com of September 26, 2007
Police say the suspect in an attempted robbery was shot and killed by one of his intended victims. Police say two men tried to rob a group of people inside a home on Berry Lane in the Lydia Community of Darlington County Sunday night.
They say one of the people in the home shot and killed one of the suspects. The other suspect, 17-year old Demario Hickmon from Bishopville, is charged with burglary and armed robbery.
Police say no charges will be filed against the person who shot the other suspect.
Darlington County home invasion suspect shot to death
Series of incidents under investigation
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Meanwhile, a home invasion that happened Sunday night on Berry Road in Lydia, where a suspect was shot and later died, remains under investigation.
Christopher Stephenson, 20, of Lydia was pronounced dead after undergoing surgery at a local hospital, Hardee said.
Investigators think Stephenson was armed when, about 8 p.m., he and another man intended to rob four people playing cards inside the residence, Darlington County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Tom Gainey said Monday.
One person at the home had a concealed weapons permit and shot Stephenson with a handgun, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities have filed no charges against the person who shot Stephenson. That person has given a statement to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies arrested the other suspect in the home invasion, 17-year-old Demario J. Hickmon of Felder Lane in Bishopville. He faces charges of first-degree burglary, armed robbery and criminal conspiracy. He remains at the Darlington County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.
Labels: home invasion, residence robbery, SC
9/12/07
Laurens, South Carolina
From the Greenwood Index Journal of September 12, 2007
1 dead, 1 injured during shootout in Laurens
A Tuesday night shootout at a horse farm in Laurens left one man dead and another injured, according to regional television outlet WYFF.
The shooting claimed the life of 64-year-old Robert Reid, of 3660 Indian Mound Road, Laurens. Reports indicate Reid died at the scene.
Meanwhile, Michael Smith, 32, of 3662 Indian Mound Road, Laurens, suffered one gunshot wound to the back and was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Reports indicate that Reid and Smith were working together at Treadway Farms Tuesday and spent a large portion of the day arguing with one another.
Smith reportedly told officers he was cleaning a gun on the farm property late in the day when Reid approached him, brandishing a gun.
Smith reportedly told the officers Reid fired and hit him in the back. Smith said he then picked up his gun and, in alleged self-defense, fired back at Reid.
An investigation by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing.
Labels: altercation, defender shot, SC
9/5/07
Greenville, South Carolina
From Greenville’s WYFF4.com of September 5, 2007
Deputies: Homeowner Shoots Kills BurglarFrom Greenville’s WYFF4.com of September 6, 2007
A homeowner shot and killed a man trying to burglarize a Greenville County home late Tuesday night, investigators said.
Deputies said the homeowner was stabbed during the incident at a home on Lake Shore Drive.
Investigators said they got a call about 11 p.m.
The homeowners, a man and his wife, were inside the home when they arrived.
Deputies said that when they arrived, the homeowner told them that the burglar broke in through a window.
The homeowner said that he confronted the burglar in a hallway.
During a struggle, the homeowner was stabbed and the burglar was fatally shot.
The burglar died at the scene.
“At this point we haven’t made an identification on the deceased,” Greenville County Sheriff's Lt. Tim Ridgeway said. “The homeowner's at the hospital at this time.”
Investigators said that the homeowner is doing well and that the homeowner’s wife was not hurt.
An autopsy is planned on the burglary suspect’s body later on Wednesday.
Deputies: Wounded Homeowner Kills Intruder
Though he was slashed several times, a retired pastor who lives in Greenville County managed to shoot and kill an intruder Tuesday night, deputies said.
Deputies said they were called to the home on Lake Shore Drive, just down the road from the Donaldson Center Airport, at about 11:30 p.m. The homeowners, 70-year-old William Willis and his wife Judith, were at the home when they arrived. They said Judith Willis was sitting on the side porch in her nightgown, her arms covered in blood.
Investigators said Judith Willis told them that she woke her husband after she heard a noise in another room. William Willis grabbed a gun that he kept in the bedroom and went to investigate.
Willis said he confronted a man that was in another room. Deputies said Willis was cut several times during the scuffle, the most serious wound to his arm.
Deputies said Willis shot the intruder several times. He later died at the scene.
Investigators said that Willis was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital. As of noon time, he was reported to be in good condition.
Deputies said that Judith Willis was not injured in the incident -- the blood on her arms was not hers.
…
Brock's wife, Mary Brock, told WYFF that Willis is a retired pastor who moved to the Upstate from New York. She said, "I'm glad that they're still here. I thank God that they are still here and He gave mercy for them last night as well as forever."
An autopsy is planned on the man who was killed later on Wednesday.
Greenville County Sheriff's Master Deputy Michael Hildebrand said, "From the information we've gotten so far, it doesn't look like there's going to be any charges against the victim. Looks like he was merely protecting his property which is justified under the law."
The coroner's office has identified the man who was killed, but they are trying to notify his family before releasing his name.
His last known address was at the Greenville County Detention Center.
The Solicitor's Office will review the case, but deputies said no charges are expected.
Labels: residence burglary, SC, senior
8/16/07
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
From WTOC of August 16, 2007
Suspect Shot After Breaking into Home
39-year-old Kenny Cantwell of Hilton Head was shot early this morning when he broke into a home he mistook as his own.
Beaufort County Sheriff's deputies proactively patrolling the area night clubs first made contact with an intoxicated Cantwell at Hilton Head Plaza just after 2:30 am this morning. While inebriated, Cantwell was not disorderly at the time. Deputies offered to assist Cantwell by securing him a taxi to transport him to his nearby home at 24 Compass Point Rd. in the Point Comfort neighborhood. Cantwell agreed to the offer and left without incident in the taxi several minutes later.
However, about 15 minutes after Cantwell's departure, deputies were called to respond to a report of a gunshot victim at the residence of 16 Compass Point Rd. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Cantwell lying at the bottom of the steps of the residence, disoriented and bleeding profusely from his left leg.
Deputies met with the complainant, 51-year old Raymond Gaudreau, who resides at 16 Compass Point Rd. Gaudreau recounted to deputies that he was asleep on the couch in the living room of his home when he was awakened by the sound of someone trying to come in the front door. Gaudreau advised seeing the door come partially open, but an engaged chain lock prevented it from being opened completely.
Gaudreau called out to the unknown individual outside the door, asking his identity. The subject outside identified himself as "Ken" and yelled that he lived there and to open the door. Gaudreau warned the subject not to come in and that he was armed with a gun, at which time the subject threatened to break the door down.
Gaudreau fled through the house to the back deck outside where he called 911. During this time, the subject did make forced entry through the front door, charging through the home where he confronted Gaudreau on the back deck. Gaudreau, who was armed with a 9mm handgun, repeatedly advised the subject that he was armed with a gun and to stay back.
The subject disregarded Gaudreau's warnings, becoming violent as he picked up the metal patio table separating the two men and threw it at Gaudreau. As the subject lunged towards Gaudreau, Gaudreau fired his gun, shooting the subject in the lower left leg.
After being shot, the subject finally retreated, crawling back through the home and out the front door, where he was found by arriving deputies. The deputies immediately recognized the subject as Kenny Cantwell, the intoxicated subject whom they had sent home from Hilton Head Plaza just minutes before.
Cantwell was transported to Hilton Head Regional Medical Center for medical treatment of the gunshot wound to his leg. His condition is undisclosed at this time. The incident remains under active investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.
Labels: home invasion, SC
7/30/07
Charleston, South Carolina
From Charleston’s WCBD.com of July 30, 2007
Armed Robberies: Hispanics Fight Back
A string of armed robberies targeting Hispanics ends with gunfire.
Charleston County deputies arrested three men and a woman Monday morning. Authorities arrested 26 Year-Old Issac Alston, 19 Year-Old Montrell Perry and 18 Year-Old Zarel Isadore. Deputies have not released the woman's name because she has not yet been charged, although witnesses say she served as a look-out.Four suspects.
Three armed robberies. One common theme. Hispanic victims.
The violence started inside a mobile home on Tedder Street around 1:30 Monday morning. Count on 2' Crimetracker Jenny Fisher said, "When Roberto Flores answered a knock at his door, he was punched in the face. Once he was on the ground, someone continued to punch and kick him and stole $200 from his wallet."
The suspect, who had a knife, also injured Flores' roommate and took $15. Afterwards, police say the group drove to a Hess gas station on Dorchester road. Police say the suspects took Noe Perez's wallet at gunpoint. They wanted his keys, but a nearby car distracted them. Perez took off in his truck, but the suspects followed in a dark car. They fired a shot, but eventually turned away.
Deputies say that's when the group stopped at the corner of Nelson and Leslie Street to lure a group of Hispanics to their car. Captain Mike Benton with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office said, "They attempted to make it seem as if it was going to be a drug deal and the individuals came over to the vehicle and the individuals came over to vehicle, who happened to be hispanic, and they attempted to rob them."
Yet, this time, things turned out differently. A victim was shot in the knee, but a suspect was also on the receiving end of the gunfire. Captain Benton said, "The pellets from the shotgun ricocheted and hit one of the suspects in the foot."
That's when other Latinos heard the commotion and rushed outside to help their own. They broke the glass out of the suspects' car, pulled a few punches of their own and detained the four suspects until authorities arrived.
The three men were charged with armed robbery. They are expected to appear in bond court Monday night at seven.
Detectives say they investigate crimes against Latinos all too often. They say some Latinos make easy targets because they don't trust many people or banks so they keep their cash in their homes.
Labels: SC, street robbery
7/17/07
North Charleston, South Carolina
From Charleston’s Live5News.com of July 17, 2007
Hotel Clerk Shoots SuspectFrom the Charleston Post and Courier of July 18, 2007
A man is in the hospital in critical condition after a shooting at a North Charleston hotel off Fain Street near Aviation Avenue. North Charleston Police say a hotel clerk gunned down a would-be robber.
The worker at America’s Best Inns and Suites says the suspect rushed into the lobby pointing something at him. Officials say that’s when the clerk pulled out his gun and fired two shots.
The suspect tried to run, but collapsed on the floor.
When police arrived, they rushed the suspect to MUSC.
He’s identified as 20-year-old James Brandon Johnson. He’s now charged with attempted armed robbery.
Would-be robber picks wrong motel, gets shot
A motel clerk shot and critically wounded a masked man early Tuesday during an apparent armed robbery in North Charleston.
Christopher Robert Barr, 34, told police that a man in a ski mask ran into the lobby at America's Best Inns & Suites on Fain Street about 1:20 a.m., pointed something at him and demanded money, according to a police report. But the clerk had a gun as well.
Barr fired twice, the man walked a few feet and fell to the ground.
"Don't move. Don't aim," Barr can be heard telling the man during a 911 call to police. "He's hurt. I just shot at him. He's on the ground. He needs help, like bad. He's still alive, and he needs help."
Police found a black pistol on the ground near the wounded man, the report said.
James Brandon Johnson, 20, of Clements Avenue in North Charleston, was critically wounded, according to the report. He will be charged with attempted robbery, police spokesman Spencer Pryor said.
Pryor said there were no charges against Barr on Tuesday night and that police continue to investigate the incident. Pryor wasn't sure whether Barr was the registered owner of the .25-caliber pistol he used or if he was legally permitted to carry it, but he hoped to have answers to those questions today.
The motel had been robbed recently, and Barr kept the gun in his pocket for protection, the report said.
Motel officials would not allow Barr to comment about the shooting.
"He's kind of shaken up," said Bright Norman, general manager. "We're proud of him."
Labels: business robbery, SC
Burton, South Carolina
From Savannah’s WTOC.com (GA) of July 17, 2007
Suspect Shot During Gunfire Exchange in Burton
Beaufort County deputies responded to a report of shots fired on Monday afternoon in Burton, South Carolina. Rodmond Singleton, 24, and his brother, Titus Singleton, 18, were reported in the backyard of a residence on Goethe Hill Road getting ready for some target practice when the incident occurred.
The men told investigators they saw a dark-colored Lexus pull into the driveway. A black male, whom Titus identified as Antoine Robinson, 19, got out of the vehicle and pointed a handgun at them.
According to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, Robinson fired shots toward the Singletons and they returned fire with weapons they'd had ready for target practice. Robinson drove away and investigators don't yet know the motive behind the attack.
Antoine Robinson later turned up at Beaufort Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound to his upper left arm.
During the gunfight, the residence across the street from the Singletons' was apparently struck by stray bullets, though no one was injured.
Investigators found and seized a Lexus matching the description provided by the Singletons in Beaufort, where Robinson lives.
The Singletons turned their guns over to investigators at the scene. Both are registered to Rodmond Singleton.
No gun linked to Robinson has been found.
Robinson has been charged with and arrested on two counts of assault and battery with intent to kill. After his release from the hospital Monday night, he was taken to the Beaufort County Detention Center.
This incident remains under investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.
6/25/07
Graniteville, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WIStv.com of June 24, 2007
Aiken deputies: Homeowner shot man during robbery
Deputies say a Graniteville homeowner responded to the attempted theft of an all-terrain vehicle with gunshots.
Officials say Leonel T. Sanchez, 26, shot Jack H. Cooper, 18, as Cooper was trying to steal the ATV from the Bettis Academy Road home on Saturday morning.
At 1:15am, a motorist found Cooper lying on Bettis Academy Road, and gave him a ride to a convenience store, where deputies met Cooper.
Aiken County Emergency Medical Services then transported Cooper to the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta.
He will be charged with attempted grand larceny and possession of a firearm under 21.
An investigation also led to the arrest of Clarence W. Oglesby IV, 22. He's charged with attempted grand larceny. A 16-year-old juvenile was released to relatives.
The homeowner won't be charged.
Labels: residence burglary, SC
5/24/07
Richland County, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WLTX.com of May 24, 2007
Suspect Pulls Gun on Clerk, Clerk Pulls Gun on Suspect
Richland County deputies are looking for a man they say robbed a food store on Longcreek Drive.
The robbery took place May 13 around 1 p.m. at the Food Fare on Longcreek Drive.
According to deputies, the suspect came in the store and attempted to rob the clerk. Deputies say the suspect pointed a gun at the employee and demanded money. Deputies say the victim refused, and instead pulled a gun on the suspect, who then ran from the store.
On the surveillance video, the suspect can be heard asking for cigarettes, then demanding the clerk to "give me the (expletive) money." The clerk responded, in part, by saying, "I'll shoot your (expletive)."
Labels: business robbery, SC
5/5/07
Rock Hill, South Carolina
From the Rock Hill Herald of May 4, 2007
Gun-toting grocery clerk fires twice at robber
A store clerk chased away a would-be robber Friday when the clerk pulled a gun on the armed assailant and fired at the man.
Around 9:40 a.m., the Rock Hill Police Department responded to shots fired after an armed man entered Park Grocery at 732 E. Main St. in Rock Hill.
"As he walked up to the counter and pointed a handgun at the clerk, the clerk pulled his own gun and fired one shot at the suspect," said Lt. Jerry Waldrop of the Rock Hill Police Department. "As the suspect ran, the ... victim fired a second shot."
The suspect was not hit by the gunfire. No charges will be filed against the clerk, Waldrop said.
The man did not get any money during the attempted robbery, Waldrop said. The assailant is described as a black man weighing 170 to 180 pounds and ranging in height from 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 9 inches. He wore a black jumpsuit and a khaki hood or ski mask, Waldrop said.
Labels: business robbery, SC
4/15/07
Beaufort, South Carolina
From Savannah’s WTOC.com of April 15, 2007
Beaufort Woman Shoots and Kills Alleged Burglar
Beaufort Police are investigating a shooting that left a 17 year old Yemassee man dead. It happened around 11pm Saturday at the Wilderness Cove Apartments. Police said Alphonso Bright was shot and killed when he forced his way into the home of a 20 year old Beaufort woman. Officers said Bright asked Aileen Sugano if her boyfriend was home. When she told him no, he left, only to come back moments later and push his way inside. Police said he grabbed a bag of marijuana and some cash that was on the table. They said Sugano pulled a gun out from under the couch and fired a shot that hit Bright. Then she called 911.
Bright died later at the hospital. Sugano is charged with possession of marijuana. Beaufort Police are still investigating the shooting.
Labels: home invasion, residence robbery, SC
4/13/07
Columbia, South Carolina
From The State of April 13, 2007
Man shoots attacker, not charged
A man who shot another in the chest Thursday night in front of an apartment complex will not be charged by the Richland County Sheriff's Department.
The shooter was defending himself, a department spokesman said of the 10:30 p.m. altercation at the Mallard Point Apartments off Hallbrook Road.
According to the sheriff's department, three men and a woman approached another man in front of the apartment complex. There was an ongoing dispute between the man and one or more of the four suspects. One suspect dropped a gun, which the victim picked up and fired at one of the men. The round struck the man in the chest.
The shooting victim was taken to Palmetto Health Richland where he was in stable but serious condition.
Information about the suspects was not immediately available.
From WLTX of April 13, 2007
Deputies: Man Shoots At Attackers in Self-Defense
Deputies are searching for four suspects they say approached a man they knew, when he opened fire on them.
Investigators say at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Mallard Point Apartments on 1101 Hallbrook Road, three men and a woman approached a man to settle an ongoing dispute over the woman.
After that, deputies say one of the suspects dropped a gun, and the victim picked it up and shot the suspect in the chest.
Investigators say the suspect has non-life threatening injuries.
Deputies will not file charges against the shooter.
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, SC
3/13/07
Red Top, South Carolina
From the Charleston Post and Courier of March 13, 2007
Delivery driver fires at carjacker
A newspaper delivery driver thwarted the carjacking of his van near Red Top on Monday while his 7-year-old daughter was asleep inside, then fired a gun after the robber left the van, the Charleston County Sheriff's Office said.
James E. Duke Jr., 44, of Charleston suffered only a bruised shoulder in the 2 a.m. encounter that began in a parking lot at 3586 Savannah Highway, a sheriff's report states. His daughter was not injured. The robber was not hit.
Duke reported jumping into the open rear doors of the van as the man started to drive off, deputies said. As the van turned south on Savannah Highway, Duke grabbed a pole and began hitting the man with it. The robber hit the brakes then accelerated, causing Duke to hit the back of the bench seat where his daughter was sleeping.
The delivery driver handed over his cell phone and the cash in his wallet after the man threatened to shoot him and his daughter, deputies said. By that time, the van had reached a gas station at the intersection with S.C. Highway 162.
The robber got out, but started to walk back toward the van, deputies said. Duke accelerated, did a U-turn, then retrieved a Glock handgun he carries in a bag inside the van. He fired at the robber.
The driver works as an independent contractor with The Post and Courier. He described the robber as a black man in his mid-20s, 5 feet 6 inches tall and 160 pounds, wearing a sweatshirt and jeans, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Labels: carjacking, SC, street robbery
2/21/07
Summerville, South Carolina
From the February 20, 2007 Charleston Post and Courier:
An intruder kicked in the back door of a house and confronted three adults and a child inside, Summerville Police Capt. Jon Rogers said. Jamond M. Simmons, the homeowner, grappled with the man, who was shot with his own gun and taken to Medical University Hospital, Rogers said.
Here is Simmons' account of what happened: An intruder, whom Simmons said he did not know, burst through the door demanding money. Simmons told him there wasn't any money in the house. The man threatened to start shooting people if they didn't give him something of value. When he turned his head, Simmons lunged forward and grabbed him. There was a scuffle, and the intruder was shot in the stomach.
"I just thank God none of my family got hurt," Simmons said.
Bryan B. Green, 18, of Ladson underwent surgery Monday and is recovering, Rogers said.
Labels: criminal's gun taken away and used against him, SC
2/20/07
Orangeburg, South Carolina
From Orangeburg’s The Times and Democrat of February 20, 2007
'Ain't nobody going to run me over'From the Orangeburg Times and Democrat of April 12, 2007
WWII vet says he shot man who invaded his home armed with rifle
An Orangeburg man says he shot another man who broke into his home, while the person who was shot is telling another story.
A 24-year-old Minel Street man remains hospitalized at the Regional Medical Center after being shot at least once in the back.
World War II veteran and former Golden Glove boxer Newman Jackson says that if he had it to do all over again -- he would.
"Yes, sir!" Jackson said. "I can't stand that. I worked hard for what I got. I hate a thief, I hate a thief."
No charges were filed against any of the parties believed to have been involved in the incident as of late Tuesday.
Jackson, who fired his weapon from his bed, calls the incident a home invasion.
"You can't do without a gun in Orangeburg," the former WWII destroyer mechanic said. "I don't go around looking for trouble but ain't nobody going to run me over, either."
The wounded man, meanwhile, says it was perhaps a misunderstanding.
He told deputies that he, a friend and a female acquaintance were at the female's house drinking beer early Tuesday. The trio then left because he "needed to talk to the man about some money," according to an Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office incident report.
The wounded man said that while brandishing a gun, his friend kicked in the front door to the residence and ran inside, according to the report.
There, the friend encountered the 80-year-old Jackson. The invader then fled the residence, the report states.
When the second man tried to flee, he was shot in the back and fell, he said.
(More detail, and more versions)
Man glad he didn’t ‘freeze up’ for intrudersFrom the Orangeburg Times and Democrat of August 29, 2007
A judge has refused to grant bond to two men accused of breaking into a Charleston Highway home in February, including the man deputies say was shot by the homeowner.
“I’m not going to set bond on Mr. Aiken and Mr. Randolph. I’m going to deny bond,” Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein said Wednesday. “I do think the level of danger they are to the community is substantial.”
That decision from the bench came after 1st Circuit Assistant Solicitor Bryan Jeffries asked the court deny bond to the trio accused in the Feb. 20 invasion of the Charleston Highway home of 80-year-old Newman “Ted” Jackson.
Christopher Aiken, 24, of 2088 Muriel St., and Joseph Randolph, 23, of 105 Scarlett Drive, both of Orangeburg; and Lakeisha Rice, 23, of 405 West Pinckney St., Denmark, were charged with first-degree burglary a day later. Deputies say Aiken was shot after he broke into Jackson’s home.
Goodstein set bond on Rice at $25,000 surety with the stipulation that should she make bail, she’s confined to house arrest.
The story of Jackson defending his home became “water cooler” conversation around the community.
Prior to Wednesday’s hearing, Jackson talked about that night and his decision to pull the trigger, which apparently stopped the incident from going further.
“I thought I had about 20 seconds, but I had about five seconds,” Jackson said. “These things happen so fast.”
When deputies arrived on the scene, they were given conflicting reports. One individual told deputies his friend kicked in the front door to the residence and ran inside. A gunshot rang out and he was struck as his friend ran from the residence.
Another version was that the two males were drinking beer earlier and “needed to talk to the man about some money,” according to an Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office incident report.
(Much More)
Burglar shot in home invasion sentenced to 15 yearsFrom the Times and Democrat of August 29, 2007
An Orangeburg man shot during the February home invasion of a World War II veteran was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he entered a guilty plea Tuesday.
Christopher Aiken, 24, of 2088 Muriel Street, was originally charged with first-degree burglary, a charge that after plea negotiations was reduced to second-degree burglary.
"I'm going to commit you to the state Department of Corrections for a period of 15 years," Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein said as Aiken held his head down.
The guilty plea came after two days of negotiations and reconsiderations surrounding the plea. Initially, Aiken was to offer his plea on Monday.
The plea hearing was rescheduled several times while details were worked out. The case would go before the bench, be withdrawn, then go before the bench again.
It finally went through around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Goodstein voiced concerns about the agreement to reduce the charge from first- to second-degree burglary.
"I think that's substantial, substantial," Goodstein said.
However, the case against the Muriel Street man proceeded until the sentence was on the books.
The cases against two co-defendants, Joseph Randolph, 23, of Orangeburg and Lakeisha Rice, 23, of Denmark are still pending.
The charges against Aiken came after the Feb. 20 invasion of the home of Ted Jackson, an 80-year-old World War II veteran and gun enthusiast.
It was about 2 a.m. on that date when the shooting occurred. Jackson said his dog began barking, alerting him that something was amiss.
As Jackson turned on a light, he grabbed a pistol. Seconds later, a man carrying an AK-47 kicked open his bedroom door.
At a bond hearing for Aiken earlier this year, Jackson said he's faced Japanese cannon bigger than a machine gun.
He fired at the intruder, striking the man in the upper shoulder.
Aiken was treated for the gunshot wound and later released.
When told of Aiken's sentence, Jackson said, "Yeah, that's OK, that's good. I'm glad that part's over."
However, Jackson wonders if it really is over. About two weeks ago, someone broke into his home while he was away. He wonders if that latest break-in isn't related to the February shooting.
Since then, the 80-year-old has installed steel plating around his entry ways to bolster the doors -- and make them bulletproof.
"You can run a Jeep through there and you wouldn't get in," Jackson said.
Obviously a no-nonsense individual, Jackson says that given the same circumstances, he'd do it all over again.
"Somebody's coming in my house? You dadblasted right I would," Jackson said. "If my little dog hadn't woke me up, it could have been a lot different. (A deputy) said to me, 'These fellows were going to kill you that night.'"
Burglar shot in home invasion sentenced to 15 years
An Orangeburg man shot during the February home invasion of a World War II veteran was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he entered a guilty plea Tuesday.
Christopher Aiken, 24, of 2088 Muriel Street, was originally charged with first-degree burglary, a charge that after plea negotiations was reduced to second-degree burglary.
...
The charges against Aiken came after the Feb. 20 invasion of the home of Ted Jackson, an 80-year-old World War II veteran and gun enthusiast.
It was about 2 a.m. on that date when the shooting occurred. Jackson said his dog began barking, alerting him that something was amiss.
As Jackson turned on a light, he grabbed a pistol. Seconds later, a man carrying an AK-47 kicked open his bedroom door.
At a bond hearing for Aiken earlier this year, Jackson said he's faced Japanese cannon bigger than a machine gun.
He fired at the intruder, striking the man in the upper shoulder.
Aiken was treated for the gunshot wound and later released.
When told of Aiken's sentence, Jackson said, "Yeah, that's OK, that's good. I'm glad that part's over."
However, Jackson wonders if it really is over. About two weeks ago, someone broke into his home while he was away. He wonders if that latest break-in isn't related to the February shooting.
Since then, the 80-year-old has installed steel plating around his entry ways to bolster the doors -- and make them bulletproof.
"You can run a Jeep through there and you wouldn't get in," Jackson said.
Obviously a no-nonsense individual, Jackson says that given the same circumstances, he'd do it all over again.
"Somebody's coming in my house? You dadblasted right I would," Jackson said. "If my little dog hadn't woke me up, it could have been a lot different. (A deputy) said to me, 'These fellows were going to kill you that night.'"
(More)
Labels: home invasion, SC, senior
Darlington, South Carolina
From Florence’s MorningNewsOnline.com of February 19, 2007
Woman uses gun to scare off intruder
A woman used a gun to scare off an intruder who entered her home Saturday, according to a press release issued Monday by Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman was in her home at Journey’s End Road near Darlington when the incident occurred. The woman, who called the sheriff’s office at about 7:15 p.m., said she stepped from her laundry room and saw a man standing in her living room.
She told deputies that when the man saw her, he turned over a coffee table and appeared to be trying to get to her. The woman said she ran to a bedroom, got a pistol and came back to the living room, where she told the intruder that she was armed.
When the intruder saw the pistol, he turned and ran from the residence. The woman said she fired several shots as he ran from the house, but she doesn’t know if any of the bullets hit him.
The woman wasn’t injured, according to the press release.
Deputies used bloodhounds to try to find the intruder, but they lost the scent after a short distance. Investigators said they think the suspect fled the area in a vehicle, according to the press release.
The intruder is described as a black man 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt and blue jeans.
Investigators said they think the man entered her house through an unlocked sliding door, according to the release.
Labels: home invasion, SC
2/8/07
Florence, South Carolina
From Florence’s MorningNewsOnline.com of February 8, 2007
Garden City Man Found Not Guilty
After nearly 12 hours of deliberation a jury found a Horry County man not guilty of murder.
Police say 76-year-old Henry Bramlett shot his neighbor, Robert Tomlinson, more than a dozen times after a property line dispute.
But prosecutors say the evidence solicited to the character of the victim showed he wasn’t a good neighbor in the minds of jurors.
Defense attorney Morgan Martin told the jury his client acted in self-defense.
The shooting happened in August of 2005 off Stanley Drive in Garden City. Bramlett was facing life in prison with no chance at parole. Today he is a free man.
Labels: altercation, SC, senior
2/2/07
Blacksburg, South Carolina
From the February 2, 2007 Gaffney Ledger:
A Blacksburg homeowner fired three shots while two burglary suspects were running from his home at 2:50 p.m. Tuesday, a report at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office states. Police have charged R.J. Osborne, 19, and his brother, Ronald Franklin Osborne Jr., 20, both of 103 Maxine Lane, Blacksburg, each with 2nddegree burglary.
Labels: residence burglary, SC
1/27/07
Newberry, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WIStv.com of January 27, 2007
Injured wife says she killed husband in self defenseFrom Columbia’s WIStv.com of January 29, 2007
A domestic dispute left one dead and another seriously injured in Newberry County Friday night. The wife says she shot her husband to protect herself.
"If it happened the way I have been told it happened, he needed what he got," says neighbor Talmadge Ellisor.
Ellisor is talking about his next door neighbor, 63-year old Dennis Franklin. He was found shot to death inside his Newberry home Friday night.
Investigators say his wife, 59-year-old Cynthia Franklin, fired the shots that killed him. When officers responded to the home, they found her suffering serious wounds to her head, face, and upper body.
She had been hit several times with a large stick similar to a handle on a wooden tool.
"Her husband was a good-sized man. Cynthia had heart problems, and as far as I know she had to do it in self defense," Ellisor told News 10.
Residents on Pine Hill Circle are upset by what happened last night, but they're not surprised. That's because this is not the first time law enforcement has been called to the home of Cynthia and Dennis Franklin.
"A couple neighbors told us law enforcement had been there before and that there had been domestic disputes there before but, that as a general rule they would keep to themselves," says Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster.
"I would say they both were loner type people, they didn't mingle very much," says Ellisor.
The Newberry County Sheriff's Department is still reviewing the case to determine what action should be taken. Cynthia Franklin is still in the hospital and her condition is listed as stable.
Her neighborhood, however, is not.
"I'm sure if I would do my wife that way, that I would deserve what happened," Ellisor says.
911 tape of Newberry woman who killed husband in self defenseFrom Columbia’s WLTX.com of February 26, 2007
News 10 has obtained the 911 call from a Newberry County woman who said she killed her husband.
We've transcribed the exact words Cynthia Franklin told a dispatcher when she said her husband was beating her and that she killed him to save her life.
Dispatcher: Newberry County 911.
CF: Yes, ma'am, this is Cynthia Franklin.
Cynthia Franklin dialed 911 from home Friday night.
CF: My husband's been drinking and he started beating me up. He started hitting me on top of the head with a big old stick.
Cynthia told the dispatcher her husband Dennis was so enraged, she thought he'd kill her. So, she said she fought back.
CF: He's on the floor in my bedroom and I shot him.
Dispatcher: You shot him?
CF: Um-Hm. I had to. He was killing me.
Dispatcher: Ok.
CF: No, this is self defense!.
Cynthia said she shot her husband dead in their bedroom with a gun they kept for protection.
"She was beaten bad," says Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster. "He was capable to continue, and I don't feel she had any other choice."
Sheriff Foster says Cynthia has injuries to her head, arms and back. He also says charges against her are unlikely.
Cynthia is in her late 50s. Her husband was in his 60s. Investigators say the couple was married 40 years and had four daughters. But reports show Friday night wasn't the first time Cynthia called 911 from their home.
Officers arrested Dennis Franklin in 1999 for making a threat against Cynthia. Records show Cynthia did not want to press charges, telling investigators she was "stuck" because she relied on her husband's insurance for medicine she needed for her heart.
Dennis Franklin went to an anger class, and charges were dismissed.
Fast forward to Friday, when Cynthia thought she was so hurt, she might die.
.CF:If I don't make it would you please tell my girls - I have 4 girls - I'm doing what I can. But will you tell them that I love them and I'm sorry this happened. I didn't know he was going to do this and he was set on killing me tonight..
She's now out of the hospital, recovering with her girls away from the place that was both her home and house filled with fear.
Prosecutors: Woman Killed Her Husband in Self-Defense
Prosecutors have decided that a fatal domestic shooting in Newberry County last month was done in self-defense.
Eighth Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace determined that the female victim in the case, 59-year-old Cynthia Franklin, took appropriate actions to save her life, and that no charges will be filed in the case.
Deputies say Cynthia Franklin shot to death her husband, 63-year-old Dennis Franklin, back on January 26. Officers say the two got into a domestic dispute.
Investigators say they found the woman suffering significant wounds to her head, face, and upper body. They say there were obvious signs of a violent struggle in the home and that Cynthia was struck multiple times with a large stick.
Cynthia also told authorities she was trying to get away and made it to the bedroom where the pistol was kept, then shot her husband as he tried to attack her.
"This was a tragic situation," said Sheriff Foster in a written release. "While we certainly agree with the decision not to prosecute Mrs. Franklin, she and her family are left to deal with the devastating effects of this incident."
Labels: domestic abuse, SC
1/24/07
Blenheim, South Carolina
From Florence’s MorningNewsOnline.com of January 24, 2007
Store Owner, Customer, Fight Back in Store Shootout
Marlboro county authorities are investigating a shootout at a Blenheim convenience store.
It happened shortly after eleven Tuesday night at McArthur's Trax on North Main Street.
The store's owner and customer didn't let the robber leave without a fight.
In 21 years of business Billy McArthur never had to use the gun he keeps in his store.
That was, until Tuesday night.
"We were all in there and then all of a sudden someone busted in the door, with a gun in his hand and was talking about give me your money," said McArthur.
Mcarthur says there were at least five people in the store at the time- a crowd the robber, probably didn't see coming.
McArthur says the suspect walked into the store, up to the counter and demanded money, that's when a customer approached the suspect, the suspect then turned around, and he shot the man.
The customer's son then grabbed a nearby can of beans and threw it at the robber, which gave McArthur time to grab his gun, and fire a round at the suspect.
The bullet missed the man, but McArthur says the message was clear.
"If I got a chance to shoot them, I'm gonna shoot them...that's just all there is to it," said McArthur.
Now the suspect's on the loose, the customer's in the hospital and McArthur's fielding questions from just about everyone in town.
Billy McArthur says after all these years, he didn't expect a robbery.
Now he says anyone else who plans on harming him or his business should expect, a fight.
Investigators are still looking for the suspect in this case.
Labels: business robbery, SC
1/16/07
Columbia, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WIStv.com of January 15, 2007
Woman shoots carjacker in Two Notch Wal-Mart parking lot
A man and woman who were shopping at the Wal-Mart on Two Notch Road say a would-be carjacker was not only unsuccessful on Saturday - he is now suffering from a gunshot wound.
Harold Jeffcoat, 29, is the suspect. The victims say the man who tried to rob them came towards them as they were getting into their car and said, "Man, you know what time it is? Give me the keys!" Then they say Jeffcoat pushed his pistol into the man's stomach.
That's when the woman acted. She opened the passenger door and got her pistol from the glove box. She says she fired about five shots at the suspect, who ran away.
Officials say they found Jeffcoat at the Providence NE emergency room. He was there for a gunshot wound to the buttocks.
Jeffcoat is currently at the detention center on a $200,000 bond in this case, and is expected to face additional charges.
Labels: carjacking, SC
12/20/06
Rock Hill, South Carolina
From Charlotte’s (NC) WSOCtv.com of December 20, 2006
Murder Charges Against Rock Hill Man Dropped; Shooting Deemed Self Defense
A man won’t be tried on murder charges after he shot and killed a young father late Tuesday night, according to the Rock Hill Solicitor’s Office.
Family members say 21-year-old Lionel Chiles went to confront Rick Hall outside a house on Calhoun Street, and then attacked him. Hall fired a shot, hitting Chiles in the neck.
Chiles’ 2-year-old son, who was sitting in a car nearby, witnessed the shooting.
“This is something that this child is going to have to live with, because regardless of age, they do remember,” said Chiles’ mother, Alberta Barnette.
Hall’s father says his son was only defending himself.
“He’s innocent. It was self defense,” he said. “It was self defense; he was just protecting himself.”
The solicitor’s office agreed on Wednesday afternoon, and police dropped murder charges against Hall.
Officers say Chiles was unarmed, but because the attack happened on Hall’s property, he was allowed to defend himself.
Despite the violence, friends like Ashley Best remember Chiles as a man who was kind and cared for his young son. Best says Chiles’ life ended for no reason.
"He was just 21 years old. He was just starting his life, and he didn't deserve it,” she said.
A law recently passed in South Carolina now makes it easier to prove self defense when it involves the defendant’s property.
12/18/06
Richland County, South Carolina
From Columbia’s The State of December 18, 2006
Summerville man dies after being shot
A Summerville man died Sunday morning in Richland County after being shot, according to Richland County sheriff’s reports.
Roderick J. Gadsden of Summerville bled to death from a gunshot wound, said Richland County Coroner Gary Watts.
About 3 a.m. Sunday, Gadsden broke down the front door at a home on Rocky Mount Road where his former girlfriend, Fareeda Sims, and her current boyfriend, Jason L. Washington, were asleep, said Lt. Chris Cowan, Richland County Sheriff’s Department spokesman.
Washington, of Columbia, woke up and argued with Gadsden, Cowan said. Washington then took out a handgun and fired several shots, striking Gadsden, who died inside the house, Cowan said.
No charges have been filed, but Cowan said the case is under investigation.
In May, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department charged Gadsden with criminal domestic violence in an incident involving Sims, Cowan said.
Labels: domestic dispute, home invasion, SC
11/29/06
Lynchburg, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WIStv.com of November 29, 2006
Lynchburg man who shot father found not guilty
A Lee County man accused of shooting his father has been found not guilty.
It happened back in July at Mister C's in Lynchburg.
Authorities say Charles Nelson, Sr. and Charles Nelson, Jr. got into a physical fight, when the son shot his dad.
Both men were taken to the hospital.
The defense argued that Nelson, Jr. shot his dad in self-defense.
Labels: domestic dispute, SC
11/17/06
Anderson, South Carolina
From Greenville’s FoxCarolina.com of November 17, 2006
McCullough found not guilty
A not guilty verdict was handed down in the April McCullough trial.
She shot and killed her boyfriend in Anderson County almost two years ago. A jury decided, it wasn't murder, it was a case of self-defense.
After hearing the verdict, April McCullough was relieved.
Prosecutors contended in court McCullough murdered Scotty Fowler at her mother's house in February of 2005, but McCullough's attorney told the jury fowler was angry about a pending break-up, and forced his way through the door. That's when McCullough, afraid for her life, shot him in a back bedroom.
McCullough herself was emotionally drained, and didn't say very much, but her attorney, Druanne White, spoke for her.
We received a statement from the 10th Circuit Solicitor's Office, saying they respect the jury's verdict, but also saying this was not a clear-cut case of self-defense based on the amount of time the jury deliberated.
Labels: domestic dispute, home invasion, SC
9/16/06
Andrews, South Carolina
From MyrtleBeachOnline.com of September 16, 2006
Man ambushed burglars, shot one
A Georgetown County man interrupted two burglars at his daughter's Andrews home, shot one of the men inside the home and held the other at gunpoint until police arrived, the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office said.
The men, Ronald Chandler, 34, and Mark Kelvin Jayroe, 45, both of Andrews, are being held at the Georgetown County Detention Center on charges of first-degree burglary, according to a news release. Chandler was shot in the chest and was treated and released from Georgetown Memorial Hospital.
The charges against the men stem from an incident just before 8 p.m. Thursday in the 500 block of Persimmon Avenue in Andrews, the release said. When deputies arrived they found Donald Stewart holding Jayroe at gunpoint in the front yard.
After they took Jayroe into custody, Stewart said he shot another suspect, who ran away.
The incident began when Stewart's daughter left him at her home at 3:30 p.m. because someone had burglarized it twice before during the week, the release said. Stewart told police he felt the burglars would be back so he hid under a blanket in the home and waited.
Stewart said two men came to the house and began taking a dresser from the home when he surprised them inside the house, the release said.
The men dropped the dresser and Stewart shot one in the chest before they ran from the home, the release said.
One of the men came back to the house to get the truck the men had left parked there and Stewart confronted him and held him on the ground until deputies arrived, the release said.
Labels: residence burglary, SC
9/8/06
Hopkins, South Carolina
From September 8, 2006 WLTX-TV channel 19:
(Richland County) - Richland County deputies are investigating a case where a homeowner was shot by robbers, but not before he also injured one of them.
Officers say the incident began around 2:45 Friday morning at a home on Dry Branch Way in Hopkins. Investigators say the homeowner heard a noise outside and decided to see what it was. According to reports, he found two men trying to break into his car.
Detectives say the homeowner ran back inside, and the two suspects followed him. The homeowner and one of the suspects then shot at each other, leaving both of them wounded. The second suspect ran from the home.
Officers say both the homeowner and the injured suspect, 21-year-old Gregory Weaver, are recovering in the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The second suspect, 25-year-old Donald Richardson, was arrested by deputies later following a short chase on Bluff Road.
Deputies say they'll charge both Weaver and Richardson with assault and battery with intent to kill and auto tampering. Richardson will also face a stolen vehicle charge.
Labels: defender shot, home invasion, SC, street property theft
9/6/06
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
From MyrtleBeachOnline.com of September 6, 2006
Robbery leaves 1 dead, another wounded
A shooting in Myrtle Beach killed one man and sent another to the hospital, a Myrtle Beach Police incident report shows.
John Graham Jr., 19, of Myrtle Beach died after the shooting Monday on the sidewalk in front of 1304 Dunbar St., said Horry County Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard. An autopsy was performed Monday, but the results have not been released, Willard said.
Myrtle Beach police responded to the report of a robbery and shooting at 1 a.m.
A Myrtle Beach man at the scene told police that two men had robbed him and that one of the men then shot him in the left thigh and left big toe with a handgun, the report states.
The victim told police he then pulled out his handgun and shot one of the men, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, according to the report.
Labels: defender shot, SC, street robbery
9/4/06
Columbia, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WLTX.com of September 4, 2006
Home Invasion Suspect Shot by Homeowner
Deputies say a man tried to break-in to a Columbia home, when he was shot by the homeowner.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department says 49-year-old Lloyd Graham tried to break into the home on New Way Road in Columbia around 12:30 Monday morning.
Investigators say the homeowner responded to the break-in by shooting the perpetrator.
Police say Graham was shot in the leg and was treated at Palmetto Richland. He is expected to be okay.
Authorities say Graham will be charged when he is released from the hospital.
Labels: home invasion, SC
8/30/06
Lyman, South Carolina
From August 30, 2006 WYFF channel 4:
LYMAN, S.C. -- A Lyman homeowner shot and killed two people he said were breaking into his house early Wednesday morning, investigators said.The shooting happened on Lawrence street at about 2:45 a.m.According to Spartanburg County Dispatchers, a man called to report that three people were trying to break into his home and that he had shot them.
At least one of the intruders was dead, the man said.When investigators arrived at the home, the man said that he had heard intruders and fired his shotgun when they opened his bedroom door.The coroner was called to the home at about 3 a.m. One of the people who was shot was found dead and the other was taken to Spartanburg Regional Hospital, where he died.Mike Shaw with Spartanburg County Coroner's office said that Marshall LeShawn Anderson, 28, and Travis Earl Anderson, 22, were killed.A third intruder was not shot and was arrested, investigators said.
8/16/06
Columbia, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WIStv.com of August 16, 2006
Homeowner shoots, kills intruder
An apparent home invasion ended in gunfire, and one of the accused burglars shot dead.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department says two men forced their way into a home on Ferrell Rd., off Two Notch Road near Fontaine, and began shooting.
The homeowner returned fire, shooting and killing one of the suspects. The other suspect fled.
It's believed this was a robbery attempt.
Authorities did not immediately release the identities of the suspects or the homeowner.
Labels: home invasion, residence robbery, SC
7/26/06
Hardeeville, South Carolina
From Savanah’s WSAV.com of July 26, 2006
Store Owner Fires Gun for Her Safety
Another dangerous encounter for the owners of a Hardeeville package store resulted in a gunshot Friday.
It’s the second time in just over a month they had to fire. On June 19th, Greene’s Package Shop worker Herb Tolar was robbed at gunpoint and then fired at the man as he ran away. Back then, Tolar told WSAV, “I thought he was going to kill me. So I was going to kill him. I pursued him outside and I shot to kill. If I see him again, I will blow him away.”
And now, the same store, which is on Highway 17 in Hardeeville was the site of another shooting. This time, it was the wife who fired.
“They knew I meant business,” Florence Tolar said, as she remembered the Friday morning encounter.
Her size and sweet demeanor don’t keep her from standing her ground.
“I kept my position just in case those boys came out. I had every opportunity to shoot them,” she said.
She chose to fire her gun at the floor as she was confronted by four young men who were fleeing from police Friday. It’s a choice she says could have easily turned fatal.
"I had to make the decision,” she said. “And I'll tell you- if those boys would have been a little bit taller, a little bit bigger, I would have shot them. And I would have killed them."
“My wife really surprised me, “ Herb Tolar said. “I’m really proud of her that she did what she did.”
(More)
Labels: business robbery, SC
7/10/06
Greenville, South Carolina
From Greenville’s Fox21.com of July 10, 2006
12 Year Old Points Gun at Burglars; Group Takes Off
An accused group of thugs-- thwarted by a 12-year old with a gun. It happened in Greenville when police say five masked men stormed into a house and started beating up the child's father.
FOX Carolina's Jamie Guirola reports, Try and picture it. A 12 year old walks into the living room, sees his mother frantically protecting the baby, and several strangers attacking his father. The 12 year old rushes out of the living room-- but comes back pointing a gun at the five suspects. As of Monday night-- all but one are in jail.
These are the alleged home invaders without their masks. The youngest barely seventeen, the oldest just 20. George Dickert didn't have time to think about their ages when he tells us they broke into his home and tried to rob his family.
George Dickert/Victim: "F*$# you! That's what I was thinking."
Sunday night, George says, one of the suspects in the group followed him into his house after he smoked a cigarette. He tells us the man pulled out a gun, threatening him. When George reached for a different gun in self-defense a fight broke out.
George: "I work five days a week and my wife works six days a week. We're an honest couple. We do what we have to do to make a living and some idiot decided he wanted what I had."
When the struggle started, police say, two other men came into the house and started beating on George. That's when George's 12 year old made the move credited with scaring the accused thugs out of the house-- and stopping the burglary-- without even firing the gun.'
George: "He did what he had to do to protect his family last night. And a 12 year old child should never have to go through that. Even if he does know what to do, he should not have to do that."
Police later found these four near George's home sweating and breathing heavily. Something George hopes they'll do again if they're convicted and sentenced to the max.
George: "...And I will press and push and do whatever it takes to make sure every individual in it gets it."
Police aren't releasing details about the fifth person they're looking for. George says he has five guns in the house. His taught his son how to use each of them.
Labels: assault, home invasion, minor defender, residence robbery, SC
7/2/06
Conway, South Carolina
From MyrtleBeachOnline.com of July 2, 2006
Conway man killed in shooting
A 25-year-old Conway man died during a home invasion early Saturday morning, police said.
Johnny W. Collier was pronounced dead following a shooting about 1:45 a.m. Saturday on Dunn Short Cut Road in Conway, according to Horry County Deputy Coroner Dan Bellamy.
Sgt. Bob Carr, public information officer for Horry County Police, said the case is still under investigation.
"Apparently there was a home invasion and the suspect [Collier] was killed at the scene," Carr said.
"He went in there and threatened people in the house and the altercation occurred after that," Carr said. "The guy was in the father's house and then fled to the son's house. ... The man had a gun on his son. There were a number of shots fired, and we cannot be sure who shot what shots at this time."
Carr said the father and son both fired shots. One of them was shot by the suspect, treated and released from Conway Regional Medical Center.
The names of the father and son were not released.
Labels: altercation, home invasion, SC
6/28/06
Beech Island, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WLTX.com of June 27, 2006
Caught on Tape: Store Owner Shoots at Robbers
Mary Todd is the first to tell you - she takes safety into her own hands.
"I don't keep a gun on me, but there's one always with hand's reach," she says, nodding towards a silver pistol.
Just a week and a half ago, the owner of Todd's Food Store in Beech Island was forced to put it to use. On the afternoon of June 16th, three masked gunmen walked into the store, while a fourth waited in the car.
"They started grabbing customers, putting them on the ground, sticking guns to their heads and so forth," says Investigator Chuck Cain with the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.
Investigator Cain says the crooks would have succeeded if it weren't for Mary. As one of the men tried to kick in her office door, she fought back.
"I shot my gun through my little office window," she says.
Adds Cain, "Right then the boys were like, 'We're getting shot at, we're outta here.'"
In the end, the only thing the men got was out without getting shot. Now, investigators hope one of them slips up and talks about it.
"There were four suspects involved in this," says Investigator Cain. "There is absolutely no way these four are gonna keep their mouths shut."
Cain believes the four have ties to Aiken and Augusta.
Labels: business robbery, SC
6/20/06
Hardeeville, South Carolina
From the Bluffton Island Packet of June 19, 2006
Store heist erupts into shootout
A Hardeeville liquor store manager decided he'd have his own shot -- or two -- at exacting justice on the man who robbed his store at gunpoint Monday morning.
After the robber took about $1,500 to $2,000 in cash from the counter of Greene's Package Shop, manager Herbert Tolar snubbed the man's demand that he stay in the store for 10 minutes, instead chasing the robber out with his .38-caliber revolver in hand.
"He threatened my life, and I was going to kill the (SOB)," Tolar said Monday afternoon.
Tolar said he shot at the robber twice as he ran away, and the robber shot back. No one was hit.
He said the man came in the store on U.S. 17 at 10:19 a.m. and asked about some whisky behind the counter, but by the time Tolar turned around, there was an automatic handgun in his face. Tolar told police he had cash on the counter because he had just opened the store.
The robber ran from the store along U.S. 17 North, and though a Beaufort County Sheriff's Office dog team was called in, his scent couldn't be picked up, police said.
The robber is described as a black male, 25 to 35 years old, 5-feet-8 inches to 5-feet-10 inches tall and weighing 160 to 170 pounds, according to Hardeeville police.
Labels: business robbery, SC
6/15/06
Blacksburg, South Carolina
From the Gaffney Ledger of May 19, 2006
Man says he fired shots in self-defenseNo subsequent stories about this incident were found.
Police are investigating an incident in which a Blacksburg resident told police he fired shots at a man to scare him off.
According to a report on file at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Henry Edward Stansel, 32, of 405 Upper Deal St., said Terry Ray Hall, 28, of 524 Misty Lane, Gaffney, came to Stansel's home and began beating on the side of his house and also broke out a window.
Police said Stansel told them he protected himself by firing shots at Hall to scare him away. Hall was struck once in the abdomen.
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Leigh Caldwell said Hall is in stable condition in intensive care at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.
Sheriff's Deputy Detective Tim Clark is investigating.
Labels: home invasion, SC
6/7/06
Columbia, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WIStv.com of June 6, 2006
Farrow Rd. shooting injures suspect
Richland County deputies are searching for two robbers. They believe one of the teens should be easy to spot. He's got a gun shot to the leg.
How did the suspect end up shot? Jerome McFadden, a father and store owner, is also now a hero, "You got to do what you got to do, and because of my son I put my life on the line here today."
Deputies say two teenagers held up Jerome's Fresh Meat and Produce Market on Farrow Road in Columbia. The owner wasn't there alone, his 12-year-old son was working with him.
Mcfadden says, "They told me if we called the police they would shoot all of us come back and kill us."
Defending his store, but more importantly, his son, McFadden fired two shots, hitting one robber in the leg. "I said you can do what you want, just don't hurt my son. They didn't hurt us. They took everything in the store except nickles [sic] and pennies."
McFadden says the teenagers robbed him of Newport cigarettes and about $700.
Richland County Sheriff's Department Lt. Chris Cowan says, "This is completely inexcusable crime - horrible. A man has been victimized, his son victimized and a community victimized as well."
This isn't the first time McFadden's been robbed. It happened two years ago, but it is the first time he's fought back.
McFadden says what's worse, the latest thieves may have robbed his son of a career in dad's footsteps. "He's shook up a little bit, and said, 'Dad I'm not coming back to work here tomorrow.' I couldn't force him."
McFadden says he may not open Wednesday, but the doors won't be shut for good, "This is part of his life. This is me. This is what I love doing."
Labels: business robbery, SC
5/30/06
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
From MyrtleBeachOnline.com of May 30, 2006
2 gunned down in botched robbery
Police: Muggers, victims trade shots
Two men were killed early Monday in a gunfight sparked by an armed robbery attempt near the intersection of Cassandra Lane and 22nd Avenue South, Myrtle Beach police said.
The incident occurred within about 10 blocks of a robbery and shooting that took place in the 1300 block of Kings Highway a day earlier. That incident was not fatal. Police have not said whether the two incidents are related.
Terry Smith, 26, of Hopkins, died about 4 a.m. Monday in the street at Cassandra Lane and 22nd Avenue. Jonathan McCullough, 18, of Greenville, died about 45 minutes later at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center.
A police incident report said that Smith and a friend, Charles Melvin Stocker Jr., 26, of Hopkins, were near Cassandra and 22nd when McCullough and another person approached and tried to rob them at gunpoint.
During the robbery, McCullough shot and killed Smith, police said. Stocker then pulled a gun he had and fired on McCullough, police said.
Horry County Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard said both men were shot multiple times while within a few feet of each other. She said autopsies will be performed today.
Police said charges are pending against two adults and a 15-year-old boy.
Labels: SC, street robbery
5/27/06
St. Stephen, South Carolina
From the May 18, 2006 The State:
ST. STEPHEN — A 52-year-old St. Stephen man has died after being shot during a struggle with his wife, authorities said.
Prosecutor Blair Jennings said no criminal charges are expected to be filed in the death of Robert Lawrence Horne.
Shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Horne's home, where they found his wife, Valerie Humbert Horne, sitting on the floor, an incident report said. Her husband's body was lying nearby, and a silver-colored revolver was on the kitchen table.
The man had been arguing with his 23-year-old daughter over her relationship and said he wanted to kick her out of the house, Jennings said. The daughter fled the house after the man pointed a gun at her and threatened to kill her, Sheriff's Capt. Rick Ollic said.
Robert Lawrence Horne then threatened to kill his wife and armed himself with three handguns, Ollic said.
During an ensuing struggle, Horne's wife fired the gun.
Labels: domestic dispute, SC
5/7/06
Inman, South Carolina
From Spartansburg’s GoUpstate.com of April 22, 2006
Inman man claims self-defense in slayingNo subsequent stories about this incident have been found
An Inman man claims to have shot an acquaintance in self-defense Friday afternoon, but deputies were still trying to determine later that evening whether charges would be filed in the killing.
David Lamar Staggs, 54, of 270 Park Street in Inman, called the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office to report that he had shot a man about 3:15 p.m.
When deputies arrived, they found Garland Samuel Simpson III, 55, of 2225 Big Mulberry Trace, Campobello, dead in the Staggs' driveway.
Maj. Dan Johnson said Staggs told sheriff's deputies that Simpson attacked him with a knife and claimed to have shot Simpson in self-defense.
Johnson confirmed that Simpson was shot numerous times and that Staggs had wounds on his right hand that could have been the result of a knife attack.
Johnson said investigators were still piecing together what happened Friday.
"We're not even close to determining what happened," Johnson said. "We will also be interviewing witnesses and canvassing the neighborhood in the meantime."
Staggs' 28-year-old son Courtney Staggs stood outside the home on Friday while deputies surveyed the yard.
Police tape still formed a barrier from the backyard of the home to the trees across the street.
Courtney Staggs said he didn't know if his father owned a gun, but said his dad was the type to keep to himself.
Courtney Staggs, who lives with his father, spoke to elder Staggs and said he believed his father's version of the incident.
"This is all a shock," he said, while keeping his eyes fixed on the white sheet covering Simpson in the driveway. "For this to happen, (that) dude had to of did something."
4/24/06
Blacksburg, South Carolina
From the Gaffney Ledger of April 17, 2006
Business owner fires shot at burglary suspects
A property owner shot at two burglary suspects fleeing from his business, according to a report at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.
Two people were taken into custody about five hours later when they were spotted coming out of a wooded area near Tessner's Garage, said Cherokee County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Leigh Caldwell.
Eric Parker Lanier, 25, of Smyrna, and Wesley Scott Brazell, 18, of York, are each charged with petty larceny and remain at the Cherokee County Detention Center. Caldwell said more charges are pending in connection with the incident.
Billy Tessner, 58, of Blacksburg received a call just after 4 a.m. Friday from his alarm company reporting that the alarm at his business had been tripped. When he arrived at Tessner's Garage at 491 Moss' Crossing in Blacksburg he saw two people run to a gray Mazda, the report states. He told police whoever was driving the vehicle tried to run him over as they fled. Tessner fired two shots at the Mazda, striking the vehicle's radiator and left front tire.
The vehicle traveled about a mile down the road and stopped, the report stated. The bloodhound tracking team searched for the two individuals but was unable to locate them.
At 9:30 a.m. witnesses saw two people leaving a wooded area near Munchie's convenience store at Moss' Crossing and Highway 29, police said. Police arrested the two suspects and transported them to the Cherokee County Detention Center.
According to the report, five radiators were missing from the garage.
Labels: business burglary, SC
4/18/06
Liberty, South Carolina
From the April 14, 2006 Anderson, South Carolina Independent-Mail:
An investigation continues today after a Liberty woman shot a male intruder in her home Thursday afternoon, according to authorities.
Doyle O’Brine "Brian" Teague, 39, of Liberty was shot at 236 Pinedale Road in Liberty around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, according to a news release from the Pickens County Coroner’s Office.
After entering the Pinedale Road residence uninvited, Mr. Teague, who also is a Pinedale Road resident, was shot and killed after threatening bodily harm to the occupant, according to the news release.
Labels: assault, home invasion, SC
4/17/06
Pickens County, South Carolina
From Greenville’s Fox21.com of April 17, 2006
Pickens County Woman Shoots Home Invader
A house in Liberty is the epitome of peace, especially with the sound of chimes. Hard to believe, something violent happened inside. Pickens County Investigators say Brian Teague forced his way into Susan Hendricks' home Thursday evening and refused to leave.
"She felt threatened," says Lt. Lane Byers, Pickens County Sheriff's Office. "She felt she could not leave the home to get away from him. And she felt she had to defend herself. She used a firearm to do so."
Hendricks reportedly shot Teague several times. She was trying to take food to her disabled father next door, when everything escalated. He told me this wasn't the first time Teague tried to hurt his daughter. And investigators knew this.
"She had made some complaints that he had bothered her, prior to this."
In fact, Hendricks filed an incident report about Teague with the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, just 30 minutes before the shooting. Her father tells me she's shaken up and doing as well as can be expected. He's confident this will be considered self defense, although investigators are still working through all the information.
"We've been interviewing different people that saw it and a few people who knew of instances prior to this. We've talked to a few people who've been in the neighborhood today. And we've tried to determine what charges, if any, would be filed."
Labels: assault, home invasion, SC
2/3/06
Anderson, South Carolina
From Greenville’s WYFF4.com of February 3, 2006
70-Year-Old Man Cleared In Fatal Anderson Shooting
Investigators said a 70-year-old man shot his 39-year-old neighbor in self-defense after he was attacked with a chair at his home.
Prosecutors said Thursday they would not charge John Black. Black handed over a gun to police and told them he shot Marc Anthony Pringle on Monday.
Anderson police Lt. Layton Creamer said an investigation found that Pringle had a "tendency to become violent."
Creamer said he doesn't know what the men were arguing about.
1/30/06
North Augusta, South Carolina
From the December 3, 2005 Augusta Chronicle:
A Pickens, S.C., man was fatally shot the driver of a Suzuki Sidekick on Saturday afternoon during a road-rage argument that resulted from a fender bender on West Martintown Road, according to law enforcement.No subsequent news coverage.
North Augusta Department of Public Safety Detective Tim Thornton said authorities aren't sure whether Clarence Shehan, 51, will face criminal charges.
...
Police said the incident started when Mr. Sharrock rear-ended a trailer that Mr. Shehan was towing behind his Chevrolet Suburban in the 1100 block of West Martintown Road.
As Mr. Shehan stopped to assess the damage, Mr. Sharrock pulled up next to him and the two spoke, Detective Thornton said.
Mr. Sharrock then left the scene of the accident.
Following him, Mr. Shehan reached for his cell phone to report the incident, but before he could dial authorities, Mr. Sharrock stopped abruptly in the eastbound lane of West Martintown Road near Knobcone Drive, police said.
Mr. Sharrock got out and approached Mr. Shehan's window, Detective Thornton said.
"The way I understand it, Mr. Shehan was never able to get out of his car," he said.
Detective Thornton said Mr. Sharrock began choking Mr. Shehan, who took his .45-caliber pistol from his glove box and shot Mr. Sharrock, Detective Thornton said.
Mr. Shehan then dialed 911, he said.
"He pretty much said, 'I've just shot somebody,'" the detective said.
Authorities found Mr. Sharrock lying face down on the road, Detective Thornton said. He did not have a weapon.
"It's just unclear at this point whether Shehan acted in self-defense or otherwise," Detective Thornton said. "We're going to make sure we understand what happened to the best of our knowledge before we pursue any criminal charges."
1/27/06
Spartanburg, South Carolina
From Spartanburg‘s WSPA.com of January 27, 2006
Spartanburg Store Owner Shoots Intruder
A store owner stands up against an armed intruder in Spartanburg County. And the alleged burglar ended up in the hospital.
The shooting happened early Friday morning at The Little Goodie Shop on North Church Street. Spartanburg County Investigators say two robbers broke in, one of them shot by the owner.
Officials say the other suspect still on the run. Investigators say they are looking for lavender four door Ford Taurus.
Labels: business burglary, SC
12/4/05
Easley, South Carolina
From the November 28, 2005 Anderson Independent-Mail:
An armed man who robbed a convenience store in Easley Friday night encountered something he probably didn’t expect— someone else with a gun.
A white man, about 6 feet tall and weighing about 170 to 185 pounds, came into the 123 Q-Mart at 3601 Calhoun Memorial Highway at about 5:25 p.m. He waited until he was the only person in the store, officials said, and then pulled a stocking-type cap over his face and approached the clerk.
Then the suspect pulled a handgun from his waistband and demanded money, according to police. He was given about $100 in cash.
But that wasn’t the end of the transaction. After giving the suspect the money, the clerk pulled out a handgun and shot at the suspect twice. The suspect might have sustained a gunshot wound during the incident, officials said.
Labels: business robbery, SC
12/3/05
Rock Hill, South Carolina
From the Rock Hill Herald of December 3, 2005
Robbery denied when clerk pulls out gun
A would-be robber was foiled this week by an armed store clerk, according to Rock Hill Police.
Around 9 p.m. Thursday, a person wearing all black clothing, a black ski mask and black gloves entered the Park Grocery store at 732 E. Main St.
The person pulled out a small black gun and shouted, "Hold up! Hold up!" the report stated.
The store clerk then crawled to the counter and got his own gun, the report stated. The clerk then pointed his gun at the masked person, who ran away.
The clerk gave chase and fired as the would-be robber got into a white vehicle, the report stated.
The robber took nothing from the store.
Labels: business robbery, SC
11/10/05
York County, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WIStv.com of November 9, 2005
Murder charges dropped
York County prosecutors have dropped charges against a 51-year-old woman accused of shooting a man she said attacked her.
Linda Diane Nelson was accused of shooting and killing 57-year-old James Jackson Massey on June 5th. York County Public Defender Harry Dest says his client acted in self-defense and had bruises on her legs and face from her encounter with Massey.
Julia Patterson-Massey says her common-law husband had a history of alcoholism and depression but that she had never seen him act violently. She says her husband had just returned to the area in hopes of reconciling with Nelson, who was described as Massey's long-time friend and drinking buddy.
Labels: domestic abuse, SC
