SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Two armed men were shot and killed in separate episodes with law enforcement over the weekend in South Carolina after officers responded to reported gunfire, authorities said.
In Spartanburg County, deputies heard and saw shots being fired as they arrived to a fight in a pool between intoxicated people at a home Sunday evening, Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Johnathan McGill said.
Deputies and other officers negotiated for two hours with the man who had been shooting, but he fired several more shots then came out of the house with a loaded gun and moved quickly toward officers, McGill said in a news release.
“Unfortunately, the deputies on the scene were forced to discharge their weapons in response to the actions of the suspect,” McGill said. “At this time, the suspect is deceased.”
Jason Chad Prosser, 43, died a short time after the shooting, the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office said.
McGill didn’t say how many deputies fired shots or whether investigators have determined who shot Prosser. No deputies were hurt.
In neighboring Greenville County, a deputy shot and killed a man who was firing shots into a home, Sheriff Hobart Lewis said.
Someone called 911 Saturday evening and an operator could hear gunshots and arguments in the background, Lewis told reporters at the scene.
When deputies arrived, the man was shooting into the home and refused to drop his rifle, the sheriff said.
“Deputies challenged him- tried to kind of start to figure out what was going on. At some point, that suspect turned around toward deputies. One deputy did fire,” Lewis said.
Ronald Dean Beheler, 55, died outside the home, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said.
No deputies were hurt, Lewis said.
The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating both shootings.
Over the weekend, two individuals were tragically killed in separate shootings involving police officers in South Carolina. These incidents have once again brought attention to the ongoing issue of police violence and the need for accountability and reform within law enforcement.
The first shooting occurred on Saturday in Columbia, where a police officer fatally shot a 27-year-old man during a traffic stop. According to reports, the man was pulled over for a routine traffic violation when he allegedly attempted to flee the scene and brandished a weapon at the officer. The officer, fearing for his life, fired his weapon, resulting in the man’s death.
The second shooting took place on Sunday in Charleston, where a police officer shot and killed a 35-year-old woman during a domestic disturbance call. The woman reportedly had a history of mental health issues and was armed with a knife when officers arrived at the scene. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, the officer felt threatened and fired his weapon, fatally injuring the woman.
These tragic incidents highlight the complex and often dangerous situations that police officers are faced with on a daily basis. However, they also raise questions about the use of force by law enforcement and the need for better training and protocols to prevent unnecessary deaths.
In response to these shootings, community leaders and activists have called for a thorough investigation into both incidents to determine whether the use of deadly force was justified. They are also advocating for greater transparency and accountability within police departments to ensure that officers are held responsible for their actions.
It is important to remember that these shootings not only impact the individuals involved but also their families, friends, and communities. The loss of life is always a tragedy, and it is crucial that we work towards creating a safer and more just society for all.
As we mourn the loss of these two individuals, we must also continue to push for reforms that address systemic issues within law enforcement and promote accountability and transparency. Only then can we hope to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
