Shortly before 5 a.m. on April 21, 2026, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a call regarding a disturbance on Wildcat Lane in Burton.
Upon arrival, deputies determined the incident was domestic-related. Shortly after deputies arrived on scene, an individual fired shots at deputies, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. A perimeter was quickly established, and a search for the suspect ensued.
The suspect was later located and taken into custody without incident. At the time he was found, he was unarmed. During the search for the suspect, there was no threat to the public.
No injuries were reported during this incident.
Due to the proximity of nearby schools, the Beaufort County School District was notified as a precaution.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Beaufort Police Department, Port Royal Police Department, Bluffton Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). We appreciate their continued partnership and support.
Additional information regarding the suspect and criminal charges will be released at a later time.
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office encourages the public to report suspicious and criminal activity by calling 911, our non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777 or via Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County.
