SLED investigating shooting involving Lexington Co. deputy that killed suspect

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LEXINGTON COUNTY, SC (WIS) - Officials with the Lexington County Sheriff's Department says a deputy shot and killed a driver who hit him with a vehicle.

The deputy was called to the 100 block of Glenda Court at about 7 a.m. Monday for a report of a suspicious person in a vehicle. During the investigation, the sheriff's department says the person drove toward the deputy, striking him. The deputy then discharged his weapon, shooting the driver.

The driver died at the scene. The deputy was taken to the hospital, where he was released a short time later after being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The name of the driver has not been released.

Joey Hall, who lives near the scene, said he often saw the suspect in the neighborhood in a stolen car.

"He would steal cars and ride up and down dirt roads and look for other stuff to steal with his lights off and he looked real suspicious," Hall said. "So I knew what was going on when I saw him. I ran him off a couple times but he keeps coming back."

Details remain limited at this time, but the sheriff's department says SLED is investigating, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.

A preliminary investigation shows the car and license plates on the vehicle were reported stolen in separate incidents and the suspicious person's driver's license had been suspended. Deputies also say the person was being investigated for burglary and pointing and presenting a firearm. There was an active arrest warrant on the person for a drug charge.

The injured deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the SLED investigation.