SLED: No Officers Hurt in Shooting that Killed Florence Murder Suspect
In a recent development, state authorities have confirmed that no officers were hurt during a shooting incident resulting in the death of a murder suspect from Florence. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Matthew Barry, was wanted in connection with a recent murder in the Pee Dee region of the state.
The Police Incident
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) released a statement on Friday detailing the event, stating that Monday’s incident is the 27th officer-involved shooting this year and the first involving officers from the Florence Police Department.
According to SLED, both the Florence Police and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office were in the process of serving arrest warrants for Matthew Barry on Monday when the incident occurred. Barry, believed to be involved in a fatal shooting that resulted in the death of Idris Chance Ali Cooper on Third Loop Road, was reportedly armed when authorities arrived and chose to barricade himself inside his Brittany Drive apartment.
Standoff with Authorities
The standoff ended tragically when Barry was shot and killed during an exchange of gunfire with the officers. Following the incident, SLED was called upon to investigate the shooting, a request made jointly by the Florence Police and the Sheriff’s Office.
On-site observations the following Tuesday by a news reporter revealed multiple shattered and blown out windows at the building where the standoff took place. Conversations with nearby neighbors and those who knew the deceased offered further insight into the occurrence and its aftermath.
SLED’s Investigation
As of now, SLED has stated that the case remains under investigation with no further details available to the public at this time. People close to the incident and the wider community are encouraged to stay updated as more information will likely be released as the investigation progresses.
[Image description: The scene of a standoff in Florence where police fatally shot a suspect. Picture taken by local reporter.]
This tragic string of events serves as a stark reminder of the often-dangerous circumstances encountered by law enforcement personnel in the line of duty. That information has been made available that no officers were hurt in this incident is a testament to the challenges these individuals often face when working to uphold the law and keep communities safe.
The loss of two lives in such quick succession is a tragedy, one that weighs heavily on friends, family, and the local community. As the investigation continues, one can only hope that further details will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of these unfortunate incidents.
