A serious officer-involved shooting in Townville has left a deputy critically injured and a suspect dead following a traffic stop on Interstate 85.
What Happened During the Traffic Stop
According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred Monday afternoon on I-85.
Officials reported that:
- Deputies pulled over a Dodge Challenger
- While speaking with the driver, one deputy requested backup
- A second deputy arrived at the scene
During the stop, the situation suddenly turned violent.
Suspect Opens Fire
Authorities say the suspect, identified as Austin Derrell Robertson, allegedly grabbed a firearm from the vehicle and shot the second deputy.
In response:
- The first deputy returned fire
- The suspect was shot and killed at the scene
Deputy’s Condition
The injured deputy was airlifted to a hospital in Greenville.
Officials confirmed:
- The deputy is alive
- He is suffering from life-threatening injuries
Investigation Ongoing
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is now leading the investigation.
Authorities have stated that:
- The case is active and ongoing
- More details will be released as the investigation continues
Traffic Impact
The South Carolina Department of Transportation reported that all lanes near the scene were reopened later in the night after being closed for several hours.
