FLORENCE, S.C. (WCBD) — Authorities in Florence County have identified a suspect who they believe opened fire on officers, killing one and injuring six others Wednesday evening.
Chief Deputy Glenn Kirby with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office believes 74-year-old Fred Hopkins opened fire on deputies as they attempted to serve a search warrant at a home on Ashton Drive around 4:00 p.m.
FCSO Major Mike Nune said that’s when the suspected shooter opened fire on investigators, striking three of them. Other officers from the Florence City Police Department responded to render aid to the wounded officers. Hopkins’ reportedly continued firing on other officers as they arrived to the scene.
Authorities say the suspect barricaded himself inside of the house with children inside for about 2-hours. After speaking with a negotiator, the suspect eventually surrendered.
Hopkins reportedly suffered a head injury during the incident and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Officials say Terrence Carraway, a 30 year veteran with Florence City Police died as a result of the shooting.
FCSO Sheriff Kenney Boone said the officers thought they were just doing their jobs, delivering a search warrant, when the suspect opened fire.
“These officers went there unknowing the firepower the suspect had, and they thought it was a random search warrant,” Boone said. “When they arrived, gunfire started, several officers were hit and I want to thank Florence Police Department. Those guys were minutes away and they assisted us well. I would ask that you please put the families of these officers in your prayers. That you please lift them up.”
Charleston County Sheriff Deputies are preparing to send a few deputies to Florence to support the community and Florence County officers.
Due to the tragic event that just occurred in Florence, SC, @ChasCoSheriff will be sending deputies to Florence, SC to support their community and law enforcement operations. #supportingflorenceleo #chsnews #florencesc— Eric B. Watson (@Chief_EBWatson) October 3, 2018
Governor Henry McMaster is also asking the state to pray for everyone involved, for their recovery, their families and Florence.
This is simply devastating news from Florence. The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real. (1/2)— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) October 3, 2018
In a tweet Wednesday, Trump said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department tonight, in South Carolina.”
My thoughts and prayers are with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department tonight, in South Carolina. We are forever grateful for what our Law Enforcement Officers do 24/7/365. https://t.co/ZwDmDthItD— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 4, 2018
