South Carolina man who shot and killed police has been identified as 74-year-old Frederick Hopkins
He killed decorated police vet Terrence Carraway.
The shooter who killed a decorated South Carolina police officer during a violent standoff has been identified as 74-year-old Frederick Hopkins.
The shooter who killed a decorated South Carolina police officer during a violent standoff has been identified as 74-year-old Frederick Hopkins whose son was allegedly under investigation for sexual assault against a minor, CBS News reports.
Hopkins, who reportedly was a disbarred lawyer, opened fire from his home and shot at deputies as they tried to serve a search warrant.Terrence Carraway, 52, who served with the Florence County Sheriff’s Department for the last 30 years, was killed when a hail of bullets struck him down. Four other officers were shot as well.
Wednesday afternoon, police were trying to serve a warrant on Hopkins’ 27-year-old son for allegedly molesting a foster child that was also in the home.
Hopkins, a white man, barricaded himself inside his home for more than two hours while holding children hostage as he fired on officers who approached his residence. Police were ultimately able to rescue the children.
Decorated Officer
Carraway recently celebrated 30 years of service with the Florence Police department, was described as the “bravest police officer” by his fellow officers.
After images surfaced of South Carolina police officers taking the shooter safely into custody, some on social media questioned how this was possible. Hopkins was taken into custody after negotiating with police.
Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler fought back tears as he talked about the slain officer and referred to him as family.
“I want you to pray for the family who lost the bravest police officer I have ever known,” Heidler said.
It was a wild shootout that Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone said:
“Fire was being shot all over.”
Authorities had to shield themselves with a bullet-proof vehicle Wednesday to protect the wounded.
“Officers went there unknowing the firepower the suspect had,” Boone said at a news conference.
“The way this suspect was positioned, his view of fire was several hundred yards. So he had an advantage. The officers couldn’t get to the ones who were down.”
On Wednesday night, President Donald Trump tweeted: “My thoughts and prayers are with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department tonight, in South Carolina.
“We are forever grateful for what our Law Enforcement Officers do 24/7/365.”
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