A Hardeeville police officer who fatally shot a Pawleys Island man in January will not face criminal charges, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Incident Overview
Officers were initially called to a motel on Whyte Hardee Boulevard for reports of vehicle break-ins. Surveillance footage showed Jayden Holloway-Caldwell attempting to enter multiple vehicles, including a pickup truck.
The Officer-Involved Shooting
Holloway-Caldwell was later located riding a bicycle near a gas station. He admitted he was nearby visiting his grandmother and had gone out to buy a Sprite because he felt sick. Officers confirmed his identity from the surveillance footage and attempted to arrest him.
During the struggle, Holloway-Caldwell fired a gun, striking an officer in the thigh. That officer recovered at a Savannah hospital. Holloway-Caldwell then pointed the gun at two other officers, prompting one to fire two shots, striking him once in the head. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Investigation and Decision
SLED’s investigative report was sent to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Prosecutors determined the officer’s actions did not warrant criminal charges and the case was not presented to a grand jury, citing “insufficient evidence or conduct not criminal.”
Family Statements
Holloway-Caldwell’s family expressed their grief, emphasizing that he was more than the suspect officers saw. He was visiting his grandmother at the time, who described him as protective and caring.
Suspect’s Criminal History
Court records show Holloway-Caldwell had prior charges, including a felony involving a stolen firearm and felony vehicle break-ins. In May 2025, he allegedly smashed a Range Rover window in Pawleys Island and stole a purse from the Ulta parking lot.
