Anderson, SC – An Anderson County Sheriff’s deputy is fighting for his life this morning after being shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 85 on Monday afternoon, April 20, 2026.
According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 4:00 p.m. when a K9 deputy initiated a traffic stop on a Dodge Challenger along I-85 near Exit 11. While interviewing the driver, the deputy requested additional assistance, and a second deputy arrived on the scene shortly thereafter.
During the encounter, the situation turned violent. Authorities report the suspect retrieved a firearm from the vehicle and fired at least one shot, striking the second deputy. The deputy who had initiated the stop immediately returned fire, fatally striking the suspect. The Anderson County Coroner’s Office later confirmed the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
The wounded deputy was airlifted to a nearby trauma center with life-threatening injuries. While his specific medical condition has not been updated as of Tuesday morning, officials confirmed he remains in critical condition. No other injuries were reported.
