South Carolina Officer Wounded in Patrol Car Ambush; Suspect Killed During Pursuit

A Greenville, South Carolina, police officer was shot several times while sitting in his patrol vehicle early Sunday, prompting a manhunt that ended with the suspect’s death in a shootout with sheriff’s deputies, authorities said.

The city of Greenville reported that the officer, whose name has not been released, was struck repeatedly but survived. He received treatment at a local hospital and was discharged later the same day. Officials have not disclosed the nature of his injuries or provided additional details about his condition following release.

Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis described the initial gunfire as an “ambush–style” assault. According to the sheriff, the shooter approached the parked patrol car and opened fire without warning. Investigators have yet to determine a motive, and there is no indication that the officer and the suspect knew each other prior to the attack.

Identification and Pursuit of the Suspect

Law enforcement officers quickly identified a suspect and began tracking a vehicle believed to be connected to the shooting. A pursuit ensued through parts of Greenville County. During the chase, sheriff’s deputies and the driver exchanged gunfire. The confrontation ended when the suspect was struck by at least one round fired by deputies, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said in a statement.

The coroner identified the man as David William Lane, 42, of Greenville. Lane was pronounced dead at the scene. Attempts to reach members of his family for comment were unsuccessful on Sunday. Authorities have not revealed whether any additional individuals were involved or whether weapons were recovered from the suspect’s vehicle.

State Investigation Underway

In accordance with South Carolina protocols for officer-involved shootings, the Greenville Police Department requested an independent inquiry by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. City officials said the department is cooperating fully with investigators. Findings from SLED will be forwarded to the local solicitor’s office for review once the inquiry is complete.

No deputies were reported injured during the exchange of gunfire that killed Lane. Authorities have not specified how many shots were fired, the type of firearm used by the suspect, or whether body-worn camera footage captured any part of the incidents. The sheriff’s office has also not yet indicated when additional information might be released.

Community Context

Greenville, a city of roughly 70,000 residents, is situated about 90 miles northwest of Columbia, the state capital. The region has experienced sporadic incidents involving violence against law enforcement in recent years, though officials emphasized that ambush attacks on officers remain uncommon.

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Local leaders responded to Sunday’s events by reiterating support for the injured officer and for the deputies involved in the pursuit. They urged residents to allow investigators time to establish a clear sequence of events before drawing conclusions about the motive or circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The Greenville Police Department has not indicated when it will release the officer’s name, citing the ongoing investigation and a need to ensure the officer’s security and privacy. Authorities have likewise not confirmed whether the officer has returned to duty or is on administrative leave while recovering.

Pending Questions

As the investigation moves forward, several key details remain unresolved:

• Whether surveillance or dash-camera video captured the ambush-style shooting.
• The origin of the weapon or weapons used by Lane during both the initial attack and the ensuing pursuit.
• Any prior contact between Lane and law enforcement in Greenville County or the state at large.
• Results of ballistic and forensic examinations that could clarify the number of shots fired and distances involved.

Officials said additional information would be released once investigators gather sufficient evidence and complete interviews with all officers involved. Until then, authorities continue to urge anyone with knowledge of Sunday’s events to contact the sheriff’s office or the state investigative team.

Crédito da imagem: Associated Press