LANCASTER, S.C. – A shooting incident on Mosteller Drive in Lancaster on Sunday afternoon resulted in the death of an armed suspect and left a woman and a child injured, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
Shortly before 12:30 p.m. on March 9, Lancaster County Public Safety Communications received a call from an adult male who claimed to have killed a woman and a child at 542 Mosteller Drive. Deputies responded to the location and encountered the armed suspect standing in the yard of the residence. A gunfire exchange ensued, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office was notified.
Additional law enforcement officers, including investigators, members of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), and troopers from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, arrived at the scene and established a perimeter around the home. Upon entry, deputies discovered an adult female and a juvenile male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both were treated at the scene and transported to a medical facility for further care. Their current conditions remain unknown.
Authorities have assured the public that the situation has been contained and that there is no ongoing threat to the community. However, residents are advised to avoid the area near Holiday Road and Mosteller Drive for the next several hours.
The identities of those involved have not been released as the investigation remains in its early stages. As deputies discharged their weapons during the incident, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been called in to conduct an independent investigation, following standard procedure. The deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
“A very tragic event unfolded on Mosteller Drive earlier this afternoon,” said Sheriff Barry Faile. “First, our thoughts and prayers are with the family members and friends of those touched by this horrific incident. We pray that this woman and child will survive their injuries.”
Sheriff Faile also expressed confidence in the actions of his deputies. “We never want our deputies to be faced with what these deputies rode into today. We train for these scenarios all the time, and early indications show these deputies relied upon that training and acted lawfully and within our policy. We trust SLED to develop all the facts and provide answers for what occurred today.”
Authorities urge anyone with information related to this incident to contact the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 803-283-3388 (Option 4) or submit a tip anonymously via www.p3tips.com/983 or the P3Tips mobile app available for Apple and Android devices.
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