July 15, 2025

Officer-Involved Shooting at Walmart in North Charleston

News Summary

An officer-involved shooting occurred at a Walmart in North Charleston when an off-duty police officer responded to an attempted fraud. The suspect brandished a firearm while attempting to flee, leading the officer to discharge his weapon and injure the suspect. Medical aid was provided on-site before the suspect was transported to the hospital. The incident has prompted an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave. This incident underscores ongoing safety concerns in retail environments.

North Charleston, South Carolina – An officer-involved shooting occurred at a Walmart on Monday evening, resulting in a suspect being wounded after brandishing a firearm during an attempted fraud incident. The shooting took place around 7 p.m. at the Walmart located at 7400 Rivers Avenue, where an off-duty police officer was working security at the time.

Store employees alerted the off-duty officer to a customer attempting to make a fraudulent return. Following this, the employees requested that the suspect be placed on trespass notice and removed from the store. As the officer was addressing the situation with the staff, the suspect attempted to flee through an emergency exit. While fleeing, the suspect allegedly brandished a firearm at the officer.

In response to this imminent threat, the officer discharged his weapon, striking the suspect. Medical aid was administered on-site by responding officers before the suspect was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The extent of the suspect’s injuries remains unknown at this time.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been notified about the incident and is currently conducting an investigation. In line with standard procedure, the officer involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.

This incident marks the 32nd officer-involved shooting in South Carolina for the year 2025, following a total of 45 such incidents reported in 2024. Moreover, this is the second officer-involved shooting involving the North Charleston Police Department in 2025; the department had previously recorded five incidents in the prior year.

Authorities advised the public to avoid the Walmart area while law enforcement responded to the active incident. There is a renewed focus on safety and protocols in the wake of this alarming incident, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in managing fraud-related crimes and ensuring public safety.

As investigations continue, community members and local officials are urging restraint and cooperation with law enforcement efforts. The situation remains under thorough scrutiny as the unfolding details are analyzed and processed by the appropriate authorities. Updates on the suspect’s condition are expected as medical teams provide ongoing care.

The officer’s action sheds light on the dual role security personnel play in retail spaces, where interactions can escalate rapidly. They are tasked not only with providing a sense of safety but also facing potential dangers similar to those encountered on regular police duty. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in public service, particularly within community-centric environments like shopping centers.

As the public awaits further updates on the investigation and the suspect’s status, there is a palpable sense of concern regarding safety protocols within local establishments. Stakeholders are actively discussing measures to bolster security and prevent similar scenarios in the future, emphasizing communication between customers, store employees, and law enforcement officials.

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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.