RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. – An off-duty police officer attempting to break up a fight at the Walmart on Killian Road had a gun pointed at him by one of the suspects, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office announced in an update Sunday night. .
Multiple deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to the Walmart Supercenter on Killian Road on Sunday in response to an incident that began as a suspected street assault and continued inside the store.
The Sheriff’s Department initially received multiple calls about a possible shooter, but with the help of two off-duty officers from Forest Acres and the Department of Conservation, it was quickly determined that this was not the case.
Forest Acres Police Officer Trayvon Warren said he was attempting to break up the fight when one of the two men pulled out a gun, but did not fire.
Based on his statement and surveillance video, investigators determined that a street-level altercation ensued inside the store, during which an unknown man began punching the person, identified as 26-year-old Jefferson Holliday, from behind. Investigators say Officer Warren intervened and subdued the unknown man, at which point Holliday pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officer and the other suspect. Holliday also began walking toward them, authorities said.
Investigators said Warren released the man, took the gun from Holliday, and held him until officers arrived. The unidentified suspect, who investigators described as the initial aggressor, fled during the struggle.
The Sheriff’s Office said no one was seriously injured in the incident and Walmart has since reopened. Holliday was charged with pointing and presenting a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and aggravated breach of peace.
Officer Warren said in a statement released by Forest Acres Police that he was at the store with his family when the violent incident occurred.
“I was able to rely on my training, along with my own instincts to protect my family and community, to de-escalate the situation,” he said. “Call it right place, right time, or call it divine intervention. I’m just thankful that this ended without any shots fired and all the innocent bystanders were unharmed.”
He added that road rage incidents, no matter how egregious, are not worth human life.
Officer Warren’s actions caught the attention of Police Chief Don Robinson, who praised him in a public statement Sunday night.
“We are very proud to have him as an officer at FAPD. This was very heroic,” Chief Robinson said. “We are happy to serve and protect wherever it happens. A true lifesaver.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or visit CrimeSC.com.