SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — The Sumter County Sheriff's Office has released new details related to a shooting they now say has left a Sumter County deputy wounded and a suspect dead.
According to a statement released on Sunday afternoon, the shooting occurred around 8 a.m. when a deputy was sent to a home on Cains Mill road regarding a domestic disturbance.
The statement said that the deputy arrived to find a garage on fire and immediately began trying to put it out. However, it was at this point that authorities allege the suspect, now identified as Leroy Quick, Jr. opened fire on the deputy. The deputy returned fire.
The sheriff's office said that Quick died at a Columbia hospital after being found unresponsive at the scene by other deputies who arrived shortly after the shooting.
The deputy, who has not yet been publicly identified, is said to be in serious condition. However, Sheriff Anthony Dennis said previously that the deputy's wounds were not believed to be life-threatening.
“It appears that our deputies acted appropriately and I commend them on their quick actions in defense of themselves and others,” the sheriff said in Sunday's statement.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is now investigating the shooting and suspected arson independently at the request of Sheriff Dennis.
A spokesperson for Sumter Fire also confirmed that there was a fire at the corner of Cains Mill and Kolb roads but could not confirm any other details, deferring to the sheriff's department. News19 crews at the scene, however, found a home heavily damaged by fire.
A few homes down Chris O'Gainey was visiting his family and explained the community that's typically quiet was very busy, "My uncle, cousin, and aunt were sitting in his and I's uncle's living room, and we heard in rapid succession 8-10 shots."
Donald Fernet said he's concerned as a neighbor having kids, "At first I didn't know anything about it, I was concerned at first just from the scenery, but um, finding out that it happened so close to home, kinda makes you a little bit more worried, as far as you know the old days, you can't just let your kids roam out and play anymore."
