Crime
Greenwood Police Officer Don Keller Killed in Crash on East Cambridge Avenue During Pursuit Investigation
Don Keller, an officer with the Greenwood Police Department, was killed Monday night following a violent crash on East Cambridge Avenue in Greenwood, according to officials.
Authorities said the deadly collision occurred between North Ames Street and North Hospital Street in a residential area of the city.
Witnesses at the scene described what appeared to be a high-speed pursuit involving a vehicle carrying at least three young occupants.
According to residents, the chase reportedly began on a side street connected to East Cambridge Avenue before escalating toward the intersection near New Street.
As the fleeing vehicle approached North Hospital Street, witnesses said another law enforcement vehicle entered the area and a head-on collision occurred near the intersection of East Cambridge Avenue and New Street.
The impact left the police vehicle heavily damaged, with airbags deployed throughout the patrol unit. A blue truck was also reportedly involved in the crash.
Debris from the collision, including vehicle parts and personal items such as tennis shoes, was scattered across the roadway as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Greenwood County deputies, and Greenwood police officers, remained at the scene late Monday night as investigators worked to reconstruct the crash and gather evidence.
Witnesses reported seeing at least one person airlifted from the scene for emergency medical treatment, while two others were reportedly taken into custody in handcuffs. Authorities have not yet publicly released the conditions or identities of the additional people involved.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal crash.
Residents in the neighborhood said the crash unfolded in an area where families and children are commonly outside during the evening hours, leaving many shaken by the tragedy.
Following news of Kellerโs death, condolences poured in from across South Carolina, including a statement from Tim Scott, who honored the fallen officerโs service and sacrifice.
โSouth Carolinians mourn the loss of an Upstate officer who dedicated their life to keeping our community safe and made the ultimate sacrifice doing so,โ Scott said. โTo their loved ones and fellow officers, our hearts are with you in this time of grief. My deepest condolences.โ
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the pursuit or whether criminal charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon โ Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.