A Dorchester County man has been officially charged following an officer-involved shooting at a Walmart in North Charleston, South Carolina. The incident, which happened on July 14, has now led to weapons charges against Davis Juan Bryant, 47, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
What Happened at Walmart on Rivers Avenue
The situation began when an off-duty officer from the North Charleston Police Department, who was working security at the Walmart on Rivers Avenue, was notified by store employees about a suspicious customer. The customer was suspected of trying to carry out a fraudulent return.
When the officer attempted to issue a trespass notice and remove the customer from the store, the man ran. A short foot chase followed, during which the suspect allegedly pulled out a 9mm handgun. In response to the threat, the officer fired his weapon, hitting the suspect.
Suspect Identified and Charged
The suspect was later identified as Davis Juan Bryant, a convicted felon with a past record of violent crime. According to SLED affidavits, surveillance footage from the Walmart captured the moment when Bryant pointed a firearm at the officer. Investigators later recovered the handgun, which matched the one seen in the video.
Because of his previous criminal record, Bryant is prohibited by law from owning or carrying a firearm. He now faces two serious charges:
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon of a violent crime (first offense)
Pointing a firearm at a person
Legal and Public Safety Concerns
This incident highlights the risks that off-duty officers often face, especially when handling security duties in public spaces like retail stores. The quick response from the officer likely prevented the situation from turning more dangerous, as Bryant was already armed and reportedly ready to use the weapon.
The legal system will now determine the outcome of the charges against Bryant, who remains under investigation.
This case is another example of how quickly a simple security situation can escalate into a dangerous and life-threatening event. With the help of surveillance footage and a swift law enforcement response, the suspect was stopped and disarmed before more harm could occur. Authorities are reminding the public that possessing a firearm illegally is a serious crime, especially for those with prior convictions.
