Crime
Authorities investigating officer-involved shooting along South Piedmont Highway in Greenville County
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.
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.
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.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.