By Harrison Cahill
The State
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — An agent from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency was shot in the elbow Monday morning as he and other agents were serving a search warrant at the residence of a suspected drug trafficker.
According to a criminal complaint, Special Agent Barry Wilson was allegedly shot by 32-year-old Joel Robinson after Robinson fired several shots at DEA agents executing the warrant at Robinson’s home in Orangeburg County.
The complaint said agents arrived at the residence at Snapover Lane at 6 a.m., serving a search warrant for a drug-trafficking investigation. Robinson was suspected of being involved in drug trafficking as well as carrying a firearm in the furtherance of the crime.
Agents wearing ballistic vests identified themselves as law enforcement officers with sirens and lights after breaking through a locked gate at the entrance of the property. One group of agents went to the front door to serve the warrant while two other groups of agents flanked the house for support.
“While executing the warrant, the team at the front door announced ‘Police, search warrant’ multiple times and made entry into the residence,” the complaint said.
Shortly after agents entered the home, Robinson — who was alone in the residence — fired five to six shots at the team of agents on the right side of the home, according to the complaint. Robinson exited the rear of the residence where he was met by the supporting team of agents.
Robinson “fired another two to three rounds in the direction of the third team.” One bullet struck Wilson in the right forearm and elbow. Wilson was taken to a local hospital where the bullet was removed, according to the complaint.
The complaint said no law enforcement officers returned fire and Robinson dropped his weapon before being taken into custody by the agents. According to the complaint, Robinson “and others have maintained an ongoing PCP manufacturing operation for a number of years.”
Robinson was charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer and using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence or drug-trafficking crime.
Robinson appeared before a federal judge in Columbia Monday; he is to be held before a preliminary hearing Oct. 27.
Copyright 2014 The State