More than a week after a York County sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot during a pursuit, many details of the incident remain unclear. And the man who authorities say shot Det. Mike Doty and three other law enforcement officers is still in the hospital.
York County sheriff’s officials last week said Christian McCall, 47, first shot a K-9 officer and later ambushed the other officers as they pursued him after responding to a domestic violence call. The sheriff’s office said McCall was also shot during the episode, but they didn’t say by whom. McCall was taken to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. A spokesperson there confirmed Wednesday that McCall was in fair condition.
South Carolinas State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is now heading the investigation, which spokesman Thom Berry described as “active and ongoing.” In an email, Berry added that it would be “inappropriate to discuss specific details” until the case is presented to York County Solicitor Kevin Brackett. With McCall still in the hospital, Berry said, he has not yet been served with criminal warrants.
SLED and the York County sheriff’s office are declining to comment on many details of last week’s deadly incident. Sheriff’s officials said officers “returned fire,” but they haven’t elaborated. Investigators also aren’t saying whether a weapon was recovered from the suspect, or whether there is any law enforcement body cam footage from the events.
The SLED spokesman wouldn’t give a timeline for the agency’s investigation. "We must ensure a fair and thorough investigation along with review by prosecutors,” the email said.
A memorial service was held Monday for Det. Mike Doty, who died from his injuries the day after he was shot. The other three injured officers are recovering.
