News >> Browse Articles >> Officer Down News

Officer Shot During Confrontation With Suspect

CLINTON, S.C. — A Laurens County deputy was shot and killed and a suspect was wounded and taken into custody in Clinton.

Deputy Roger Rice was shot shortly after 11:30 p.m. Wednesday during a confrontation as officers conducted a homicide investigation, Laurens County Sheriff Ricky Chastain said. Deputies had been called to the home to assist in an investigation of a killing in nearby Fountain Inn.

The suspect opened fire, hitting Rice and another person in the home, Chastain said.

Rice was taken to Laurens County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Deputies returned fire and injured Bennie Ray Brown, Jr., who was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment. Chastain said Brown’s injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Chastain said Brown had been arrested on a criminal domestic violence charge in June. He was out on bond on that charge.

The other wounded person’s injuries were not considered serious, the sheriff said.

Deputy Rice was from Gray Court, was in his late 20s and was married with two young children, Chastain said. He graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy about six months ago, having previously been assigned to the county jail.

“He was at the detention center, but he wanted to be on the road. He wanted to answer those calls. So he was definitely doing what he loved to do”, Chastain said.

Chastain said Rice had been at the office most of that morning obtaining warrants, then went home to get some sleep and came back at 5 p.m. to start to working.

“We have pain. It’s a brotherhood, a sisterhood. You’re family,” he said. “You get to the point that they are literally your family and you don’t want anything to happen to them.”

The Thin Blue Line

Police Survivors Benefits Guides

Group: Officer Down

Officer Safety Discussions