GREENVILLE, S.C. — Authorities released new details and video in the investigation of an ambush that wounded a Greenville police officer and ended with the suspect’s death following a pursuit, WYFF reported.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) said a man opened fire on a police officer seated in a patrol vehicle on Jan. 11 at the Greenville County Law Enforcement Center. The officer was struck by gunfire and later released from the hospital.
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SLED said the suspect fired multiple rounds believed to be incendiary ammunition, which is designed to cause extensive damage.
Surveillance footage shows the suspect vehicle driving through an empty parking lot before pulling alongside the officer’s cruiser. Then, flashes and sparks can be seen striking the cruiser before the suspect drove off.
Greenville County Sheriff’s deputies later located the suspect’s vehicle, prompting a pursuit. During the pursuit, authorities said there was an exchange of gunfire and a crash involving the suspect and law enforcement vehicles. After the pursuit ended, investigators said another exchange of gunfire occurred.
The suspect was found dead inside his vehicle. The county coroner ruled the death a suicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head, according to WYFF.
Law enforcement officials said they were familiar with the suspect prior to the shooting after receiving multiple complaints from neighbors earlier in January regarding concerning behavior and statements. Deputies responded to and investigated each complaint but determined the conduct did not meet the threshold for an arrest.
Out of caution, officials said the apartment complex where the suspect lived coordinated with the sheriff’s office to provide off-duty deputy security beginning Jan. 8.
Neighbors and former co-workers described a pattern of troubling behavior in the weeks leading up to the shooting, including alleged threats of violence and references to firearms. Some said the suspect had expressed fears about neighbors and made statements suggesting he was prepared to use a weapon, according to the report.
The investigation remains ongoing.
