Holly MatkinSumter County, SC – A Sumter County sheriff’s deputy was hospitalized in serious condition after he was shot by a gunman while responding to a report of a domestic disturbance on Sunday morning, according to investigators.
The series of events leading up to the shooting began at approximately 8 a.m. on Sept. 25, when the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) received a report of a domestic disturbance on Cains Mill Road, WIS reported.
The first SCSO deputy to arrive at the scene discovered that a garage at that location was in flames.
Investigators said the lone deputy was attempting to put the fire out when someone inside the home began shooting at him, WIS reported.
Although he was hit, the wounded deputy was able to return fire, striking his attacker, police said.
Additional deputies arrived at the scene and located the alleged gunman unresponsive in the backyard area of the residence, WIS reported.
The suspect was rushed to a hospital in Columbia, where he was pronounced dead, according to WACH.
He was later identified as 71-year-old Leroy Quick Jr., WIS reported.
The wounded deputy was transported to the hospital and remained in serious condition on Sunday night.
No one else was injured during the shootout, according to investigators.
The home was destroyed in the blaze, WIS reported.
Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said he believes his deputies reacted quickly during a difficult and dangerous situation.
“It appears that our deputies acted appropriately, and I commend them on their quick actions in defense of themselves and others,” Sheriff Dennis told WIS.
The wounded hero’s identity was not immediately released.
The deputy has been placed on administrative leave while the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) handles the ongoing investigation into both the fatal officer-involved shooting and the arson.
Sheriff Dennis said he requested the SLED’s involvement in the case.
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