News

Actions

Wanted man kills South Carolina police officer, then himself

Posted at 9:46 PM, Mar 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-18 21:46:01-04

A police officer in Greenville, South Carolina, was fatally shot Friday while serving a warrant to a “self-admitted” gang member who fled and later killed himself, the police chief said.

As multiple officers approached the man just after noon to serve the warrant, he ran, Greenville Police Chief Ken Miller said.

The suspect led officers on a brief chase and then took cover behind a home, where he opened fire, Miller said. One officer was struck multiple times.

The victim fled again and then fatally shot himself, according to Miller.

The chief did not release the names of the officer or the suspect because the families have not yet been notified.

Police at the scene “performed CPR on our officer, the CPR was unsuccessful and he was declared deceased at the hospital,” Miller said.

Officers are receiving peer support for their fallen comrade, Miller said.

“He was as dedicated as anyone can be dedicated. We lose, we hurt, we ache, we feel this, but our community will too,” Miller said.

After the shooting, the department changed the profile picture on its Facebook page to show a Greenville police badge covered by a black banner.