South Carolina Police Identify Off-Duty Officer in Fatal Parking Lot Altercation
Berkeley County, South Carolina – An off-duty South Carolina police officer, involved in a fatal shooting of a North Carolina man, has been identified. A parking lot altercation marked the onset of this unfortunate event which resulted in the tragic end of 39-year-old Michael O’Neal from Winston-Salem, NC.
Off-Duty Officer’s Involvement
The grim incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon in Berkeley County at a Chick-fil-A restaurant on North Main Street. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) informed that the off-duty Summerville Police Department officer involved in the encounter was officer Anthony DeLustro.
The official statement provided by SLED revealed that an “altercation” prior to the shooting resulted in the death of O’Neal at the scene. Following the incident, DeLustro was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Promising a Thorough Investigation
Summerville Police Department (SPD) placed a request for SLED to lead the investigation concerning this incident. SPD’s Chief Douglas Wright, while commenting on the situation, requested patience from the public. “I want to remind everyone that this procedure takes time. Please be patient and trust the process,” he stated assuring a meticulous examination of this unfortunate situation.
Repercussions of the Incident
Speaking about the incident, Chief Wright declared the situation as a “struggle for all involved.” The loss of O’Neil left his family devastated and raised questions about the consequences of the off-duty officer’s actions during the altercation.
Although the specifics of the altercation have yet to be released, the incident has also sparked concern within the community about the level of force used by off-duty law enforcement in personal disputes.
Subsequent Developments
In order to bring more clarity to what happened, a robust investigation is currently underway. More details are expected to be released following its completion. In the meantime, it is essential for the public not to reach any conclusions with incomplete evidence as the investigation is still in progress. Observers are encouraged to remain patient for unbiased findings to surface.
Remembering Michael O’Neil
Michael O’Neil, a resident of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was a known figure in his community. His sudden death left many in shock, further emphasizing the gravity of this event. As facts continue to unfold, the community waits for justice to be served.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
