28/Sept/2014 – Shooting Incident – “A” Shift

Incident # 14-05709 – One person died and five others were injured in a shooting incident that occurred at 29 Sandy Dam Lane east of Walterboro Sunday morning, 28-Sept. At 06:42, 9-1-1 Dispatchers began receiving partial information about a person being shot at this location. While units were enroute, additional information was obtained indicating two people were shot. Before units arrived at the scene, the Hospital reported a person was brought to the ED by private car with a gunshot wound. This was updated within minutes to two GSW patients at the ED.

Deputies arrived quickly, reporting gun fire near the scene. They advised Fire-Rescue units to stage away from the scene until they could determine it was safe for other responders. Several minutes later, Deputies indicated Firefighter-Paramedics could come in to the first residence and that they would find three patients shot near a car in the yard. Crews began treating the three males, two of which suffered life threatening injuries. Two additional ambulances were assigned to the incident. Medic 19 transported two patients and Medic 1 transported one. Medic 1 requested a medical helicopter, however the local helicopter was on another response. In the meantime, the hospital also requested two medical helicopters for their two GSW patients.

Due to the extended ETA for a helicopter, Medic 1 transported to the ED at Colleton Medical Center, where the patient was taken to surgery. One helicopter was later cancelled.  

While treating the three patients in the yard a man at the scene entered a house on the property and yelled for Firefighter-Paramedics to come to the house. Crews found a fourth patient in the home. The man was deceased. Crews notified Deputies and quickly exited so Officers could clear the building. The Coroner was also notified and responded.  Colleton Medical Center called in additional staff to assist with the influx of trauma patients. One patient was flown by LifeNet to the Trauma Center at MUSC. One patient was transferred by private ambulance to the Trauma Center and a third patient was transferred by private ambulance to Trident Medical Center. One additional patient was treated at the scene for a respiratory problem, but denied ambulance transportation. The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.

Engine 19, Medic 1, Medic 9, Medic 19, Battalion 1 and Car 12 responded. Battalion Chief Dan Barb served as Incident Commander.