One person was in custody and at least one police officer was involved in a shootout in a West Ashley condo on March 10.
Police chief Luther Reynolds said his officers were called to the Colonial Grand apartment complex in Cypress Cove shortly after 11 am, when a resident reported that a man was threatening his neighbors with a rifle.
Patrol officers cleared the residents’ area and asked for support from specialists in special operations and negotiations, said Reynolds, following the department’s protocol.
As more police arrived, the police said the suspect and at least one police officer exchanged fire. Reynolds did not say who fired the first shot and refused to answer reporters’ questions.
Police spokesman Charles Francis said the suspect was in custody at 12:25 pm
The suspect, a 25-year-old man who was not publicly identified, was injured and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Reynolds were the only ones injured.
“We are very lucky to have police officers who care so much,” said Reynolds. “They ran towards the sound of gunshots.”
The State Law Enforcement Division, which investigates police shootings across the state, is conducting the investigation while the Charleston police conduct an internal investigation.
The shooting scene was not visible outside the apartment complex’s property. A truck was seen leaving the area at around 1:30 pm carrying SWAT members armed with rifles. A policeman stopped on the pavement outside, driving away those who do not live in the development.
This was the third shooting involving a Charleston police officer since late December, and it was the 11th overall in South Carolina this year. In 2020, there were 49 across the state.
This is a developing story. Please check again for updates.
Talk to Sara Coello at 843-901-2995 and follow her on Twitter @smlcoello.