FCSO DEPUTIES INVOLVED IN SHOOTING

At approximately 12:50 AM today, Deputies with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of shots fired into a residence at 219 Dixie Street near Johnsonville, SC. A nearby Johnsonville Police Department Officer responded to the scene initially, and FCSO Patrol Deputies arrived shortly thereafter. Before FCSO Deputies arrived, the suspect had fled into nearby woods behind the residence with multiple firearms. At some point the suspect fired multiple rounds at Deputies who were forced to take cover while waiting for FCSO SWAT to arrive.

After SWAT arrived, specially trained negotiators, with the assistance of family members of the suspect, attempted for some time to have the suspect peaceably surrender, but to no avail. When the suspect pointed one of his weapons at law enforcement, officers fired resulting in the death of the suspect. No FCSO or Johnsonville Officers were injured.

Florence County Coroner Keith Von Lutcken identified the suspect as Jeremy Lorenza Kelly, age 27 of 219 Dixie Street Johnsonville, SC.

FCSO has requested that South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) conduct a full and complete investigation into the incident.

“Our hearts are heavy for members of the Kelly family who have endured much and lost much over the past 7 months,” Sheriff Kenney Boone stated. “In addition, our thoughts are with our officers as well, who regret having to take this action. We will keep them all in our prayers.”

END
Major Michael M. Nunn
General Counsel/P.I.O.