A routine traffic stop in South Carolina turned into a life-threatening encounter when a deputy was shot during a confrontation on Interstate 85. Authorities confirmed that the suspect involved in the incident was fatally shot, while the injured deputy was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Traffic Stop Turns Violent on I-85
The incident unfolded in Anderson County when deputies pulled over a vehicle along the busy interstate. During the stop, officers were questioning the driver when the situation suddenly escalated.
Officials say the suspect retrieved a firearm from inside the vehicle and opened fire, striking one of the deputies who had arrived as backup.
Deputy Airlifted, Suspect Killed at Scene
Following the shooting, the initial deputy returned fire, hitting the suspect. Authorities confirmed the suspect died at the scene from gunshot injuries.
The wounded deputy suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Officials indicated that recovery could be lengthy as the officer fights to survive.
Investigation Underway by State Authorities
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Authorities are working to determine the sequence of events and what led to the violent encounter.
Traffic on Interstate 85 was heavily impacted following the incident, with lanes shut down for several hours as investigators processed the scene.
Officials have not yet released additional details about the suspect or the events leading up to the stop, and the case remains under active investigation.
