LANCASTER, S.C. — The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has initiated an investigation into an officer-involved shooting that took place Thursday afternoon in Lancaster County. The incident began with a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle and culminated in a struggle between a deputy and a suspect in a wooded area.
Pursuit and Confrontation
Shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, a deputy with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office spotted a gray Nissan Pathfinder on Camp Creek Road. The vehicle had been reported stolen from its owner.
The deputy attempted to stop the Pathfinder, but the driver, later identified as Bobby Earl Bolick, 42, of Lancaster, failed to yield to the deputy’s blue lights and siren. The pursuit ended when the Pathfinder turned into a long, private driveway at a residence. Bolick then jumped out of the slow-moving vehicle and fled on foot into the woods.
The deputy immediately gave chase. Approximately 100 yards into the woods, the deputy caught up to Bolick and attempted to take him into custody. A struggle ensued, during which Bolick reportedly grabbed the deputy’s drawn service pistol. The deputy fired a single shot, and Bolick continued to flee deeper into the woods.
Manhunt and Arrest
Following the shooting, the deputy called for backup. Numerous officers, including investigators and the Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), responded to the scene. A K-9 team and a drone were deployed to assist in the search.
The extensive search effort proved effective. At approximately 3:20 p.m., Bolick was located about 75 yards from the site of the struggle and was taken into custody without further incident.
Aftermath and SLED Investigation
Bolick was transported to a medical facility for evaluation. Fortunately, his injuries were not serious. He is expected to be transported to the Lancaster County Detention Center once he is medically cleared for incarceration, with charges pending.
The deputy involved in the incident was also not seriously injured and has been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure under the Sheriff’s Office policy.
Sheriff Barry Faile promptly requested that SLED take over the investigation, also in line with the Sheriff’s Office protocol for officer-involved shootings. SLED special agents arrived on the scene soon after to begin their work.
“I’m very thankful our deputy was not seriously injured,” said Sheriff Faile. “Our officers responded quickly and set a perimeter in the area, which allowed our drone operator and our K-9 team to find Bolick within minutes and end this event, which could have had a far worse outcome.”
Contact Information
Inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to SLED, the investigating agency.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that anyone with information about this or any other case can call 803-283-3388 and select Option 4, or submit an anonymous tip via the link www.p3tips.com/983 or the P3Tips mobile app.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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