A Greenville police officer survived an ambush attack on January 11, 2026, at the Greenville County Law Enforcement Center parking lot, where suspect David William Lane, aged 42-43, fired incendiary rounds at the patrol vehicle, causing extensive melting damage and sparks visible on security video.
Incident Details
Lane approached the stationary officer around 1:40-1:49 a.m., discharged the rare ammunition containing magnesium or phosphorus for a fire-starting effect, then fled, leading to a chase with gunfire exchanges and a crash. The officer sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment and upcoming surgery but is recovering, with the law enforcement community rallying support.
Suspect Background
Greenville County Sheriff’s Office had prior neighbor complaints about Lane’s behavior on January 1-2, 2026; he died from a fatal gunshot wound during a second firefight post-pursuit. No motive has been publicly confirmed, though experts like Adam “Doc” Finley called the ammo use “unhinged.”
Ammunition and Concerns
Incendiary rounds, uncommon for civilians, are designed for maximum damage by igniting on impact, raising alarms from Sheriff Steve Mueller about officer safety nationwide given their availability. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) leads the investigation per protocol.
