SOCASTEE, SC (WBTW) – Some residents who live at The Pointe apartments off Palmetto Pointe Blvd. in Socastee are shocked after watching an officer-involved shooting from their balconies early Friday morning.
“It was a little crazy,” Katie Young, a resident at The Pointe said.
The incident began as a low-speed car chase on Highway 707 and around Palmetto Pointe Blvd., and it ended after officers used stop sticks to blow out the driver’s tires.
The driver then turned onto Maypop Cir. off of Palmetto Pointe Blvd. and into The Pointe apartments.
Young said she stood on her balcony to watch what happened next.
“I see the cops running. I didn’t notice the suspect at first, and then I see they’re chasing him and he actually cuts over and comes towards my building between the cars,” Young said.
Then, she said she heard gunshots.
“I never heard a gunshot in real life before, so I was like, ‘Wow, they’re shooting,'” Young said.
Young said she is thankful no officers were shot or serverly injured, however, watching the incident has her shaken up.
“It still gets to me a little bit today. When I think about it, my heart starts racing because I’ve never experienced something like that and never experienced being that close to guns,” Young said.
Despite this, she still feels safe at her apartment.
“I don’t like that it happened that close, but it’s the reality of life these days,” Young said.
Three officers were sent to the hopsital. One due to minor injuries and two others because they came in contact with the suspect’s blood while rendering first aid, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, or SLED.
The suspect was shot and had to undergo surgery, but is expected to recover.
The name of the suspect has not been officially released.
