An ordinary traffic stop on Interstate 85 near Townville turned violent Monday afternoon when a driver opened fire on Anderson County deputies, leaving a Pennsylvania man dead and a deputy critically wounded, according to authorities. The deputy was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital with life‑threatening injuries after another deputy returned fire and the driver was killed at the scene.
What officials say
Investigators say deputies first pulled over a Dodge Challenger near mile marker 11 for a moving violation and called for backup. As deputies were talking with the driver, they say he suddenly bolted to the back of the car, grabbed a gun and fired, hitting one deputy.
The deputy who initiated the stop fired back, and the driver was pronounced dead on the interstate. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has now taken over the investigation, according to CBS Pittsburgh.
Identity and condition
The Anderson County Coroner's Office later identified the driver as 32‑year‑old Austin Derrell Robertson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, according to WYFF News 4.
Sheriff Chad McBride told reporters the wounded deputy "is in good spirits" with family and teammates at his side in the hospital, according to Live 5. Officials have not publicly released the deputy's name and say the investigation remains active.
Scene and response
Law enforcement from Anderson County and neighboring agencies converged on I‑85 at Exit 11, and traffic backed up for hours as investigators worked the scene. Authorities say what began as a routine traffic enforcement stop escalated in a matter of moments when a firearm was produced. The injured deputy was flown directly to Greenville Memorial for treatment.
The shooting and the sheriff's initial briefings have been outlined in regional coverage, according to WBTV.
Investigation
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has assumed control of the case and is handling evidence collection and witness interviews as part of its standard role in officer‑involved shootings. The agency holds statewide jurisdiction in such incidents and compiles investigative files for prosecutors while agents process forensic material and witness statements, according to its investigative services overview on SLED.
Regional context
Officials say this shooting is among several recent incidents in the Upstate that have left officers injured in April. Local outlets have noted at least one other case earlier in the month that resulted in a wounded officer. The broader pattern and heightened concern over officer safety in the region have been tracked by Greenville News and other local media.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the traffic stop, or who may have dashcam or cellphone video from the area of I‑85 at Exit 11 around the time of the shooting, to contact investigators as SLED continues its work and officials prepare further public updates.
