A shootout in Florence, South Carolina, Wednesday afternoon has left one police officer dead and six more wounded, according to reports.
Five law enforcement officials were shot responding to a reported shooting near the Vintage Place neighborhood, Florence County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Glenn Kirby confirmed to local ABC affiliate WBTW.
According to Kirby, two City of Florence officers and three deputies were shot between 4:55 -5:30 p.m. Footage shared to social media shows police near Hoffmeyer Road in Florence heading towards the “active shooter scene.”
Florence County emergency services have announced that a suspect is in custody.
Earlier, Florence County Emergency Management shared the following message to its official Facebook page: “Due to a high priority call in Vintage Place off of Hoffmeyer Rd in FLORENCE, South Carolina. There is an active shooter incident in progress at this time. We are advising everyone to stay away from this area. We have Sheriff Officers along with City PD and other first responders handling this situation.”
ABC 15 reports West Florence High School is on lockdown after learning of the shooting.
Reacting to the Florence shooting, Gov. Henry McMaster called the deadly incident “devastating.”
“The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real,” he added. “Peggy and I ask that you pray for them, pray for their recovery, pray for their families, and pray for all of Florence.