News Summary
Amber Elizabeth Hewlett, a 35-year-old woman from Sumter, was arrested in North Charleston after discharging a firearm at a local hotel during an argument. Authorities found a teal 9mm handgun in her vehicle. She faces charges for discharging a firearm within city limits. This incident adds to growing concerns about violence in the community, particularly after a recent officer-involved shooting at a nearby Walmart. The police are investigating both incidents as residents express alarm over the rising violence.
North Charleston
A 35-year-old woman has been arrested in North Charleston for discharging a firearm during an argument at a local hotel. Amber Elizabeth Hewlett, from Sumter, was taken into custody shortly after midnight on Wednesday, where authorities discovered a teal 9mm handgun and a spent shell casing in a vehicle she was occupying.
Hewlett now faces charges for discharging a firearm within city limits. Following her arrest, she was booked into the Charleston County jail, with no bond set. The incident occurred at the InTown Suites off Arco Lane.
This recent arrest has ignited further concerns in the community, especially in light of an officer-involved shooting that occurred just days prior at a North Charleston Walmart. On Monday evening, an off-duty North Charleston Police officer, working security, responded to reports of a customer attempting a fraudulent return, suspected of being a shoplifter. During the chase that ensued, the suspect displayed a weapon, leading the officer to discharge his firearm. The individual shot during this confrontation is currently hospitalized.
The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has launched an investigation into the officer-involved shooting at the request of the North Charleston Police Department. The officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.
This marks the 32nd officer-involved shooting in South Carolina for the year 2025, with North Charleston experiencing its second such incident this year. In comparison, there were 45 officer-involved shootings reported in the state during the entire year of 2024, five of which involved the North Charleston Police Department.
The nearby community has reacted with alarm to the recent rise in violence. Local Subway employees reported that while they did not hear the gunfire, they did observe heightened police activity in the area. This has led to increased caution among workers, who are now extra vigilant following the incidents.
In summary, the arrest of Amber Hewlett comes at a time when violent encounters in North Charleston have raised concern among residents and local businesses. Authorities continue to investigate both the officer-involved shooting and the circumstances surrounding Hewlett’s firearm discharge.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Officer-Involved Shooting at Walmart in North Charleston
Three Suspects Arrested in North Charleston Robbery Incidents
Tragic Shooting Incident in Columbia Claims Young Life
Two Arrested in Charleston Drug and Firearm Investigation
Tragic Developments in Esparto Fireworks Warehouse Explosion
Multiple Arrests in Charleston Raise Public Safety Concerns
Teen Arrested in Connection with Charleston Shootings
Drug and Gun Charges Lead to Multiple Arrests in North Charleston
Concerns Rise Over Officer’s Hiring by Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
North Charleston Police Make Multiple Arrests in Connection with Recent Shootings
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: SLED Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting
- Wikipedia: North Charleston
- ABC News 4: Community Reacts to Shooting
- Google Search: Officer Involved Shooting North Charleston
- Count On 2: North Charleston Police Respond to Incident
- Google Scholar: North Charleston Police Shootings
- Fox Carolina: Investigation Underway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Charleston Police Department
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
