Florence County Deputy Indicted for Fatal Shooting of Unarmed Man

In a startling development, a former deputy from Florence County, South Carolina, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter following his involvement in shooting an unarmed man five times in May. The charges were announced by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

Details of the Incident

The deputy in question, identified as Treyvon Sellers, also faces charges of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature along with misconduct in office. Reports say Sellers was dismissed from duty on July 26, following a separate case of domestic violence in Darlington County.

At the time of his sacking, Sellers was already on administrative leave due to his involvement in the May 26 fatal shooting of William Dwayne Rankin. According to case details disclosed by SLED, the altercation ensued after a vehicle pursuit that ended in a National Cemetery Road residence.

Rankin was shot multiple times by Sellers after the former retreated into the residence. Another man, Johnny Cooper, also present in the residence, was allegedly attacked by Sellers’ K9.

Alleged Violations in Protocol

SLED’s investigative documents reveal several alleged violations on Sellers’ part. It is stated that Sellers, along with his K9, entered the residence without notifying his or the K9’s presence. At the time, Rankin was unarmed and laying on a couch closely to the rejoicing K9 that started mauling Cooper.

The indictment accuses Sellers of issuing incorrect commands to his K9 instead of availing resources to remove the K9 from mauling Cooper, leading to the latter being mauled for approximately 87 seconds. Sellers subsequently fired five rounds at Rankin, resulting in his death.

The report further clarifies that Johnny Cooper had no affiliation with Rankin. Cooper had to undergo emergency surgery for his injuries and suffered permanent disfigurement and impairment to his left arm and shoulder.

Repercussions and Response

In a statement released on August 21, Sheriff TJ Joye expressed his deep regret and sorrow over the incident and assured that the episode was not reflective of the values, mission, or training of Florence County deputies. In his words, “I have personally met with the families of Mr. Rankin and Mr. Cooper where I have been as candid and transparent as I know how.”

While on administrative leave, Sellers was further mired in controversy when he was arrested by the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and SLED. For an incident on July 25, Sellers was charged for attempting to physically assault a person and creating a ruckus in a public place.

The prosecution alleges that Sellers climbed on top of a vehicle, attempted to batter the victim inside, and subsequently began shouting obscenities, causing public disturbance.

Details of the court proceedings are awaited. If found guilty, Sellers faces severe penalties and potential incarceration for his alleged misconduct.