A store clerk in Chesterfield County, South Carolina fatally shot an alleged armed robber during a confrontation on Saturday. The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office reported to the scene at the Hwy 9 Mini Mart & Tobacco store in Pageland after the incident occurred at approximately 8:50 p.m., as detailed in an article from WBTV.
At the scene, deputies discovered the body of a black male who had succumbed to gunshot wounds. The store clerk claimed that the individual had entered the business, placed a gun to his head, and demanded money. In response, the clerk produced his own firearm and discharged multiple shots at the alleged assailant. This account was corroborated by the store's surveillance video, as WBTV reported.
No charges will be filed against the clerk in light of the incident, according to the Chesterfield County Sheriff, Cambo Streater. Streater pointed out South Carolina's "stand your ground" law, which justifies the use of deadly force when a person reasonably believes it to be necessary to prevent death or significant injury. "Sheriff Streater strongly supports the rights of our citizens to protect themselves," as per his statement obtained by QC News.
Following the shooting, an investigation was launched involving not only the Sheriff's Office but also the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Chesterfield County Coroner's Office. WCNC provided confirmation that the identification of the deceased has not been released, and necessary processes were ongoing at the crime scene with assistance from SLED.
"Sheriff Cambo Streater with the sheriff’s office would like to remind the citizens of Chesterfield County that South Carolina law states: 'A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in another place where he has a right to be, including, his place of business, has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if he reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or another person or to prevent the commission of a violent crime,'" according to a statement shared by QC News.
