COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency and activating the state’s emergency operations plan, which enables state agencies to prepare for Hurricane Ian’s potential impact to the state. The governor’s order directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to coordinate with all relevant state agencies and to be prepared to respond to any requests for state assistance from county emergency managers.

“It’s still too early to know exactly how Hurricane Ian will affect South Carolina, but preparations at the state level are well underway, and this declaration of emergency is another step in that process,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “We do know we’ll see a lot of rain and significant storm surge on our coastline over the coming days – now is the time for each South Carolina to make plans for every contingency and be prepared.”

BREAKING: Hurricane Ian makes landfall near Cayo Costa, Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm – https://t.co/EXqGp0G0l2

https://t.co/qm6vPtppCV

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 28, 2022

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CHARLOTEE, NC (Scroll down for video) – ​On Monday, December 27, 2021, officers were dispatched to a Larceny from Vehicle in progress call for service in the 6100 block of Winged Elm Court. The caller also advised that the suspect had pointed a firearm at a nearby citizen. Responding officers made contact with the suspect, who fled on foot. At the time, it was not known that the suspect was a juvenile. During a brief foot chase, the armed suspect fired at the pursuing officer, Elliott Whitley, striking Whitley in the shoulder. Officer Whitley returned fire and the suspect was not struck.

The suspect continued to run with the weapon towards a heavily populated apartment complex as well as in the direction of other responding officers who were able to take the suspect into custody.

Officer Whitley was transported to an area hospital and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was later identified as a 14-year-old who had an extensive felony history including charges in 46 criminal cases dating back as far as 2014.

The CMPD Homicide Unit responded to the scene to lead the investigation, and Crime Scene Investigation responded to collect physical evidence. Representatives of the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Homicide Prosecution Team also responded to assist.

As is standard procedure with any officer-involved shooting, the Internal Affairs Bureau conducted a separate but parallel investigation to determine whether CMPD policies and procedures were adhered to during the incident.

The investigation determined that Officer Whitley was justified in his actions, including returning fire, due to the deadly threat posed by the suspect.

Officer Whitley was placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard policy whenever an officer discharges a service weapon. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20211227-0720-01.

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