When gunfire erupted in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, on Monday night, 10 people were wounded, including three law enforcement officers; four of the victims were critically injured, according to authorities.
The victims include nine adults and a 17-year-old girl. It is unclear how many of the injuries were caused by gunshots, according to the Charleston Police Department.
On May 30, an officer arrived at the 41 block of South Street after responding to a noise complaint regarding a loud party in an unoccupied lot.
Around 11:40 p.m., the responding officer was immediately met with gunfire, including two rounds fired into his cruiser, according to Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds. “We’re lucky we don’t have a dead cop. Or dead citizens. Or dead community members.”
The officer was not struck by bullets but by shrapnel and was taken to the hospital before being released, according to Reynolds.
While attempting to calm the gathering, two Charleston County Sheriff’s Office deputies were attacked, resulting in minor injuries.
“One person swung at a deputy, striking the deputy in the face,” said Andrew Knapp, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office. ‘The deputy was later treated for facial injuries. Another deputy was knocked to the ground by a member of the crowd. The deputy suffered cuts to the head and arm.”
Two people detained for allegedly assaulting the officers are identified as Ayesha and Tahira McGee.
Ayesha was charged with third-degree assault and battery, while Tahira was charged with second-degree assault, battery, and resisting arrest. Another person was detained early Tuesday morning on a charge of disorderly conduct, according to Reynolds.
More arrests are expected, according to officials.
More than 100 evidence markers were placed at the shooting scene, with shell casings accounting for more than half of them, Reynolds said.
The investigation is still underway. No arrests have been made in connection with the actual shooting.
