Holly MatkinLake City, SC – Lake City Police Department (LCPD) Lieutenant John Stewart died in the line of duty on Friday during a motor vehicle pursuit, according to city officials.
Details regarding the events leading up to Lt. Stewart’s death are still unclear, but Lake City officials did confirm he was killed during a chase that ended on North Matthews Road near Lee’s Body Shop, WMBF reported.
A Florence County sheriff’s deputy suffered unspecified injuries during the incident, according to WSPA.
Police are working to determine whether or not there is a connection between a carjacking that occurred at about the same time as the pursuit, WBMF reported.
The carjacking suspect, Jermaine Ryan Roberson, was arrested after a chase, according to WPDE.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is handling the ongoing investigation into the incident, WMBF reported.
Lt. Stewart’s exact cause of death has not been released.
LCPD Chief Jody Cooper confirmed during a press conference on Sept. 17 that Lt. Stewart “made the ultimate sacrifice” while in “the performance of his duties,” WMBF reported.
“This is a sad day for Lake City,” Chief Cooper said.
Lt. Stewart served the LCPD for over 20 years.
“He is a hero for the Lake City Police Department,” Florence County Councilman Jason Springs said during the press conference, according to WMBF. “He’s not only a police officer in Lake City but he’s been a member of our community. He’s a well-respected officer and very professional in all he’s ever done.”
Springs said the lieutenant’s death marked a “monumentally horrible day” for the community.
“He had a desire in his heart to be the best he could be and he emphasized that every day,” Lake City Mayor Lovith Anderson said, according to WPDE.
Always remember: Lieutenant John Stewart, Lake City Police Department, South Carolina https://t.co/x3j3GREz8z pic.twitter.com/OxVKKPIdwV
— Port Authority PD (@PGHTransitPD) September 19, 2021
Our prayers and support are with the family of Lieutenant John Stewart of Lake City Police Department.
Lt. Stewart died in a line of duty incident in Florence County earlier today. pic.twitter.com/6l0hTzaLyy
— Lexington Police(SC) (@LexingtonPD) September 18, 2021
#ConwayPD offers their condolences to the Lake City Police Department, family and friends as they mourn the loss of Lt. John Stewart. pic.twitter.com/CkFaJjooaP
— Conway Police SC (@ConwayPoliceSC) September 18, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Lake City Police Department Lieutenant John Stewart, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
