BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–The Charleston County Coroner’s Office has released the identity of a man who died Sunday following an altercation with several Charleston County Sheriff Deputies.
Michael Alan Sawyer, 31, of Berkeley County was pronounced dead at Trident Medical Center over the weekend. Results from an autopsy are still pending, according to the coroner’s office.
On Sunday, authorities say Deputy Robert Bittner and Deputy Levi Reiter responded to a disturbance of a man, later identified as Sawyer, walking erratically in the roadway on Pinewood Drive and Highway 78 in Ladson.
After the two deputies approached Sawyer, Major Eric Watson stated he was somehow able to grab a baton from one of the deputies and began striking the officers with it.
Watson says one of the deputies deployed his Taser, however, it reportedly failed to stop him. Eventually, they were finally able to restrain Sawyer with the help of bystanders.
Both deputies were treated and released for their injuries at MUSC, Watson added.
“They both are now recovering at their home with family,” stated Watson. “Presently, the deputies have been placed on administrative leave with pay.”
As a common practice and policy of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation as well as all video evidence has been turned over to SLED.
“We will not release any video until SLED and our investigators have had the opportunity to review and interview witnesses,” stated Watson.
Both deputies have been employed with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office for a little more than 15 years.
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