A South Carolina sheriff and police chief are requesting prayer after seven officers were shot in the line of duty on Wednesday when several deputies attempted to serve a search warrant in Florence. One officer lost his life after being struck by the suspect.
“I would ask that you please put the families of these officers in your prayers, that you please lift them up,” Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone said during a press conference.
“I can only echo the sentiments of the sheriff and ask for, at this point and particular time, [the] prayers of every human being who knows the Lord Jesus Christ to pray for these officers,” also remarked Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler.
According to reports, sheriff’s deputies arrived at the Vintage Place residence at approximately 4 p.m. yesterday to serve the warrant on a 27-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a foster child. However, a 74-year-old, now identified as Fred Hopkins, quickly opened fire on the deputies.
These officers went there unknowing the fire power this suspect had,” Boone explained. “[T]hey thought it was a random search warrant. But, when they arrived, gun fire started [and] several officers were hit.”
When other officers arrived to try to help their injured comrades, Hopkins shot at them as well.
“The suspect continued to fire on other officers who responded to the scene to render aid to the wounded,” Maj. Mike Nunn explained. “Officers from the Florence City Police Department responded to assist, and several of their officers were shot as well.”
Source: Christian News Headlines
