Facebook Officer Terrence Carraway was among the five officers shot by an active shooter in the Vintage Place neighborhood of Florence, South Carolina.
Officer Terrence Carraway was killed and six others wounded by an active shooter near Florence, South Carolina after a gunman opened fire from several hundred yards away, striking several responding officers and a 20-year-old man.
Officer Terrence Carraway, a former football coach and beloved family man, died during the shootout, according to Fox 10, who identified Officer Carraway Wednesday evening. Authorities said that Officer Carraway was known in the area for 30 years to local law enforcement, and that it had been a “horrific day” for the community. The Florence police chief called Carraway the “bravest police officer.” Officer Carraway leaves behind a wife and young adult children.
The condition of the other officers is unknown at this time, although Florence Mayor Stephen Wukela said that some of the officers are in “serious condition.” A female officer was among those who were shot. FCSO told ABC that two other officers were described as “touch and go.”
Here’s what you need to know:
Terrence Carraway Was a Raiders Fan Who Used to Coach Football & Is Remembered as a Good, Family Man & a “Positive Officer”
Terrence Carraway, an avid Oakland Raiders fan, used to coach football years ago. Tributes started pouring in on Facebook, with many remembering him as a “good man” who was loved, respected and appreciated by all who knew him.
“Please pray for the Carraway Family! As well as all the other officers fighting for another day to serve. Officer Carraway served his community to the fullest, his service and love for others will not go unnoticed,” Melissa Hardwick Welch wrote on Facebook.
The Copperhead LE/MC Pee Dee Chapter, a nonprofit organization “with the sole purpose of supporting our brothers in law enforcement and military,” posted on Facebook that the group was planning a ride in honor of Officer Carraway’s sacrifice.
“If you have a bike join our Chapter and many other clubs riding in Sgt. Terrance Carraways procession to honor his life and sacrifice,” the group wrote on Facebook. “Officer Carraway was one of the 5 officers shot today in Florence. Thank you Sir and rest easy brother.”
Another mourner, Bruce Williams, wrote: “My heart and prayers go out to the officers. My heart is full at this time. To Officer Terrence Carraway’s family, he was a very positive officer that looked out for many people in Florence. He was fair to everyone and an awesome man. RIP Officer Carraway.”
Officer Carraway Was a Florence City Police Officer Who Gave His Life In The Line of Duty
The Florence County Coroner confirmed to the Associated Press that the officer killed was from the Florence County Police Department. Both sheriff’s deputies and Florence police officers responded to the shooting.
Officials say officers were responding to a call of shots fired, according to WPDE. Neighbors reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire. ABC reported that West Florence High School went into lockdown, and athletic teams were brought inside, according to a Facebook post.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Terrence Carraway and the entire Florence law enforcement community. These men and women put their lives on the line everyday to try and keep us safe,” Janet Parker wrote on Twitter.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster posted on Twitter: “This is simply devastating news from Florence. The selfless acts of bravery from the men and women in law enforcement is real, just like the power of prayer is real,” McMaster said. “Peggy and I ask that you pray for them, pray for their recovery, pray for their families, and pray for all of Florence.”
At the S.C. State House, State Rep. Jay Jordan, R-Florence, asked that the House take a moment of silence for the injured police officers.
Representative Terry Alexander, who represents parts of Florence, released the following statement to WPDE: “It’s just a very sad situation. We have got to do something about these guns. We should also remember to be calm and let the process take place. Let’s see what our magnificent law enforcement officers come up with to make sure that our people are safe, especially our children. I am in prayer for all six families who are hurting right now, including that of the shooter.”
Two GoFundMe pages have been set up in honor of Officer Carraway and the other officers wounded in the attack. The page for Carraway has already raised nearly $3,500 of the $5,000 goal, and the account for the other wounded officers has raised $1,200 of the $5,000 goal. Click on the links above to donate.
The Suspect Surrendered After Talking With a Negotiator & Is In Custody; The Motive For The Shooting Is Unknown At This Time
Just before 5 p.m., Florence County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Glenn Kirby said three sheriff’s deputies and two city of Florence police officers had been shot during an active shooting incident. It has now been confirmed that four City of Florence and three Florence County sheriff’s deputies were shot during by the gunman.
It was earlier reported that five officers had been shot by the gunman, but the latest update confirms that seven officers were shot.
The Florence County Emergency Management dispatch Facebook page released an update that the suspect was in custody, writing: “The active shooting situation is over and the suspect is in custody. We are asking everyone to stay away from Vintage Place as there is still an active crime investigation in progress.”
Authorities said gunfire was being shot “all over” as officers were stricken down. The way the suspect was positioned, his view of fire was several hundred yards. “So he had an advantage. The officers couldn’t get to the ones who were down.”
The suspect surrendered to deputies after talking with a negotiator, according to Florence County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Glen Kirby. The Florence County Emergency Management Department also tweeted that the “active shooting situation is over and the suspect is in custody.”
The motive and identity of the shooter are not yet clear. All that is known is that the suspect is male, and is in custody at McLeod Regional Medical Center, according to ABC. Fox also reports that the shooter is an elderly man.
The incident took place in Vintage Place, an upscale neighborhood in the western part of the city. Florence is about 70 miles north of Myrtle Beach, with a population of about 37,000 people.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said special agents are assisting in the incident.
This is a developing story. Heavy will continue to update as more information is known.
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