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ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – A deputy was airlifted to the hospital following a fatal encounter during a traffic stop on Interstate 85 in Anderson County, officials report. The suspect involved in the incident did not survive.
The confrontation unfolded shortly after 4 p.m. near exit 11 on the busy interstate.
As stated by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, officers had initially stopped a Dodge Challenger and were in the midst of questioning the driver when the situation escalated, prompting the deputy to call for backup. A second officer subsequently arrived to assist.
During this tense exchange, the sheriff’s office reported that an individual retrieved a firearm from the vehicle and fired at least one shot, striking the second deputy in the chest.
In response, the first deputy discharged their weapon, resulting in the suspect’s death at the location, according to investigators.
The Anderson County Coroner’s office identified the suspect as 32-year-old Austin Derrell Robertson, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Officials said his manner of death was ruled a homicide, with an autopsy has been scheduled for the investigation.
The deputy who was shot has life-threatening injuries and was flown to Greenville Memorial Hospital, according to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.
There’s no word yet on what prompted the traffic stop.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed agents have been called to investigate the shooting.
I-85 northbound is closed at Exit 11. Traffic is backed up for around eight miles.
Traffic was backed up along Highway 24 as cars are detoured around the shooting scene.
This is a developing story. We will provide updates as they become available.