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Authorities investigating officer-involved shooting along South Piedmont Highway in Greenville County

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Photo by David Rogers
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Piedmont, SC — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday along South Piedmont Highway in Greenville County.

The incident prompted a significant emergency response, including Greenville County Sheriff’s Office deputies, EMS personnel, and fire crews.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been called in to lead the investigation, as is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings in the state.

Preliminary reports indicate that the shooting occurred near the intersection of South Piedmont Highway (Highway 20) and Southside Circle.

Officials have confirmed that the involved deputies were not injured in the incident.

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Greenville County EMS and a medical helicopter responded to the scene to provide emergency medical care.

The extent of any other injuries has not been disclosed at this time.

Piedmont firefighters also responded, and Highway 20 remains temporarily closed in both directions near Southside Circle as law enforcement continues to process the scene.

Authorities have not yet released details about what led to the shooting, whether any suspects were involved, or if anyone else was injured.

SLED investigators are currently on scene collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.

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More information will be released as the investigation progresses.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes while the investigation remains active.


Crime

16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia

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16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University's campus in North Philadelphia 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue
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PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.

The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.

Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.

Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”

According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.

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Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.

Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.

At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.

A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.

As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.

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Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.

Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.

Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.


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