Ex-Florence County Deputy Faces Manslaughter Charges in Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting

Background of the Incident

Florence, S.C. – A former deputy of the Pee Dee, Treyvon Sellers, has been charged in relation to a deadly officer-involved shooting earlier this year. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is pushing forward with criminal charges against Sellers, as announced by the Florence County Sheriff, T.J. Joye.

Sellers got booked into the Florence County Detention Center on allegations of voluntary manslaughter, assault and battery of heightened and aggravated nature, and misconduct in office. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office is set to prosecute the case.

The Incident Detailed

The incident reportedly occurred on May 26th, when Sellers allegedly shot and killed 43-year-old, William Rankin, after a vehicle pursuit led him into a residence. Rankin had allegedly crashed into a home on East National Cemetery Road where Sellers confronted him. The homeowner also got injured by an off-leash K-9 unit requiring medical attention.

According to SLED, Sellers did not declare his nor the K-9’s presence upon entering the home. While the K-9 mauled the homeowner, Sellers fired his department-issued handgun five times, ending Rankin’s life, who was unarmed at the time. Sellers reportedly misused the commands for his K-9, allowing the animal to maul the homeowner for 87 seconds, leading to “permanent disfigurement and impairment.”

Florence County Sheriff’s Response

In a public statement, Sheriff Joye informed that Sellers was placed on administrative leave post the shooting, and he personally met the families of the victims. He stated that his officers are held to high standards, and the incident in question was unrepresentative of their values, mission, or training.

Prior charges against Sellers

However, while on administrative leave, SLED charged Sellers in relation to another incident involving domestic violence in Darlington County that allegedly transpired in July. Sellers was arrested and booked into the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center in Darlington County on charges of third-degree domestic violence and breach of peace. He was shortly released a day later on a $6,000 bond.

Sheriff Joye further informed that following this incident, Sellers was relieved of his duties at his agency. Updates on this matter will be released as and when received.