RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — An off-duty officer attempting to break up a fight at the Walmart on Killian Road was met with one of the suspects pointing a gun at him, the Richland County Sheriff's Department said in an update on Sunday night.
Multiple Richland County Sheriff's Department deputies responded to the Walmart Supercenter on Killian Road Sunday following an incident that began as suspected road rage but continued inside the store.
The sheriff's department initially received multiple calls about a possible active shooter but quickly learned that this wasn't the case with help from two off-duty officers - one from Forest Acres and another from the Bureau of Protective Services.
The Forest Acres Officer, Treyvon Warren, said he was attempting to break up the fight when one of the two men pulled a gun - but never fired it.
Through his statements and surveillance video, investigators determined that a road rage argument continued inside the store, where an unknown man began striking the other, identified as 26-year-old Jefferson Holliday, in the back. Investigators said Officer Warren intervened and subdued the unknown man, at which point Holliday allegedly drew his gun and pointed it at the officer and the other suspect. Authorities said Holliday also began walking toward them.
Investigators said Officer Warren released the other man and wrestled the gun away from Holliday before detaining him until deputies arrived. The unknown suspect, who investigators described as the initial aggressor, escaped during the struggle.
The sheriff's department said no one was seriously injured in the incident, and Walmart later reopened. Holliday was charged with pointing and presenting a firearm, unlawful carry of a firearm and aggravated breach of peace.
Officer Warren said in a statement released by Forest Acres Police that he was at the store with his family when the violent incident unfolded.
"Along with my own instincts to protect my family and our community, I was able to rely on my training and de-escalate the situation," he said. "Call it right place, right time or divine intervention, I'm just grateful this ended without any shots fired and all innocent bystanders were unharmed."
He added that no road rage incident, no matter how bad, is worth someone's life.
Officer Warren's actions drew the attention of his police chief, Don Robinson, who commended him in Sunday night's public statement.
"We are so proud to have him as a FAPD officer. This was very heroic," Chief Robinson said. "Willing to serve and protect, no matter where it happens. A true lifesaver."
Authorities ask anyone with information about the incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or visit CrimeSC.com.