Top Stories

Berkeley County Deputy Shot During Traffic Stop

FILE

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–A Berkeley County deputy is recovering from his injuries after being shot in the line of duty early Friday morning.

This morning at approximately 5:30 a.m. deputies with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1055 Pine Tree Drive in the Saint Stephens area of Berkeley County reference to a domestic altercation.

Deputy Cody Gooch observed the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. As Deputy Gooch was approaching the vehicle, the driver’s door opened the driver’s door and shot Deputy Gooch. Deputy Gooch and two others deputies returned fire.

Pictured: Cody Gooch, Sheriff Duane Lewis and fellow deputies

The suspect, who had been shot, was apprehended a short distance away. The suspect has been identified as Calvin Lorenzo Middleton, III (B/M, 07/08/1986) of 1055 Pine Tree Drive in Saint Stephen.

Both the deputy and the suspect have been transported to Trident Hospital, Main in North Charleston for treatment. Deputy Gooch is good spirits and expected to make full recovery.

All the deputies involved have been put on paid administrative leave as is standard procedure pending the administrative review. Sheriff Duane Lewis called for SLED to investigate the shootings as is standard procedure. SLED will provide further details as they are available.

Via Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office

“Incidents like today are a reminder of what a dangerous profession this is. No call is the same and no car stop is the same. We are incredibly grateful and blessed that Deputy Gooch was not seriously injured. I want to thank the many first responders, area chiefs and sheriffs, SLED and the many others who have called and offered their assistance,” Sheriff Duane Lewis stated.

Comments are closed.