Florence, S.C. — A Florence police officer shot a man on Saturday morning after authorities say he held a woman at knifepoint and fled from police while still armed. The incident took place around 9:15 a.m. at Rushmore Loop, where law enforcement responded to a potential hostage situation involving the woman being held against her will.
The Incident Unfolds
According to Florence Police Department spokesman Stephen Starling, officers arrived at the scene to find a woman being held hostage by a man armed with a knife. As the officers approached, the man fled the scene, still holding the knife. Authorities said that the suspect continued to evade police while being pursued on foot.
In the course of the standoff, police fired on the man, striking him. He was then taken into custody and received medical aid at an undisclosed facility. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name or his condition following the shooting.
The Victim and Officer Safety
Fortunately, the victim was assessed by first responders and appeared to be unhurt. There were no injuries reported among the officers involved in the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has launched an investigation into the events surrounding the shooting, as is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings. Authorities have yet to release further details as they continue their work to piece together the full scope of the incident.
This case remains under investigation, and more information may be provided once the investigation progresses.
