Holly MatkinCharleston County, SC – The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has released dashcam footage from a deadly shootout that left a deputy wounded and a suspect dead earlier this month (video below).
The footage, which was publicly released by the sheriff’s office on May 12, was taken from CCSO Deputy Evan Cubbage’s patrol vehicle.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. on May 7 during a traffic stop in the 4900-block of Savannah Highway, WCSC reported.
Dashcam footage showed Officer Cubbage pulling a dark-colored sedan over and making contact with the occupants through the passenger side window.
“Hey! What’s going on y’all?” he said cheerily before the passenger door opened.
The deputy opened the door further and leaned on the roof of the suspect vehicle as he identified himself and explained that he had pulled the driver over for “improper lane use,” the video showed.
“You’re all over the road, back and forth, back and forth,” Deputy Cubbage noted.
The female driver told him she was experiencing a problem with the vehicle and that she was looking for a place to pull over.
The deputy chatted with the passenger, 28-year-old convicted felon James Pierce, as the driver gathered her license and registration information.
After an additional exchange with the driver regarding her paperwork, Deputy Cubbage directed Pierce to “hop out” of the car, the video showed.
“Don’t grab! Don’t reach for anything!” the deputy said, reaching into the suspect vehicle.
CCSO Deputy Alexander Hodge arrived at the scene just as Deputy Cubbage realized Pierce was armed, the video showed.
“He’s got a gun!” Deputy Cubbage warned.
Multiple gunshots rang out and the deputies scrambled for cover as Pierce stepped out of the car and continued shooting.
Deputy Cubbage was hit three times during the attack, according to the CCSO.
Both deputies returned fire and ultimately killed the gunman.
The female driver was not injured during the shootout.
Deputy Cubbage was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for his wounds, WCSC reported.
He was released from the hospital later that night to continue his recovery at home.
He and Deputy Hodge have been placed on paid administrative leave while the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s investigation into the fatal officer-involved shooting continues.
Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano said the dashcam footage “is difficult to watch.”
“I am angered by the violence directed at those who lay their lives on the line daily to protect our citizens,” Sheriff Graziano continued. “The deputies’ advanced training prevented us from having to bury one of our own. They acted appropriately and professionally under fire from a convicted felon who was illegally carrying a firearm.”
She said she is thankful the deputies survived the terrifying attack.
“I am so thankful that these deputies were able to return home to their families. We are thankful for the community’s support,” the sheriff said.
Watch the incident unfold in the video below. Warning – Graphic Content and Obscene Language:
Graphic video released by @ChasCoSheriff. It’s from Deputy Evan Cubbage’s patrol car. He did a traffic stop last Sunday on Savannah Hwy. near Ravenel. Cubbage was hit three times during an exchange of gunfire w/ a suspect who died. @FOX24Charleston #chsnews pic.twitter.com/pXpJBT3FJf
— Bill Burr (@BBonTV) May 12, 2023
