GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office determined a deputy-involved shooting that happened in September was justified.
7NEWS previously reported deputies with the sheriff’s office and officers with the Greenville Police Department responded to an incident on September 15 at The Trophy Club, located at 450 Airport Road. Law enforcement responded around 12:39 a.m. after receiving a 911 call from a security guard on the scene that an intoxicated man was in the parking lot armed with two guns and firing shots.
According to the sheriff’s office, the security guard advised that the suspect had been pointing the guns at people.
Dispatch: “Greenville County 911, what’s the location of your emergency?”
Security guard: “We’re located at Trophy Club. I work security here. We’ve got a drunk guy here. He’s got two guns in his hands. We’re talking to him and keeping him cool, but…”
Dispatch: “He’s got two guns in his hands?”
Security guard: “Yes he does… He popped a shot off earlier. That’s how we knew he had guns on him and so we surrounded him and were trying to talk to him to keep him cool.”
When deputies arrived the suspect, 57-year-old Matthew Edward Healey, was sitting in the driver seat of a white pickup truck that he’s accused of breaking into.
Deputies said Healey then pointed a gun at law enforcement. In response, we’re told a Greenville County deputy and a Greenville Police officer fired their weapons. The sheriff’s office said gunfire continued until there was no longer a threat.
According to the sheriff’s office, it’s unclear if Healey got a shot off.
Following the exchange of gunfire, law enforcement said they moved in, rendered aid and placed Healey under arrest.
Healey was taken to a nearby hospital where authorities said he was pronounced dead around 1:20 a.m.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head and the manner of death is ruled as a homicide.
“Our office does not draw any conclusions about whether the deputies actions were consistent with our policies and in accordance with the law until the investigation has been thoroughly completed,” said Lt. Ryan Flood, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.
No law enforcement officers or deputies were injured the night of the shooting.
Investigators said Healey had multiple guns in his possession. The following firearms were seized by SLED as evidence:
- Century Arms Micro Draco 7.62 x 39
- Springfield Hellcat 9 mm
- FN 509 9mm
- Glock 19 9mm
- Glock 19X 9mm
In conclusion to the investigation, officials ruled the use of deadly force was justifiable, according to the GSCO policy.
“It is important to note that while the investigation is ongoing, our determination and understanding of the incident might change in the event new information is brought forth and new evidence is discovered,” said Flood.
SLED said this is still an ongoing investigation.
