South Carolina Deputy Charged with Killing Unarmed Man, Letting Police Dog Attack Innocent Homeowner
In a shocking turn of events in South Carolina, a former deputy has been formally charged with multiple offenses including voluntary manslaughter and assault following his involvement in a series of violent incidents. These dreadful episodes have resulted in the death of one man and severe injury to another, who was reportedly bitten by the deputy’s unleashed police dog.
Former Deputy Arrested
Former Florence County deputy, Treyvon Jonathan Sellers, was arrested on Wednesday by state agents. The arrest follows his suspension from duty after the May 26 shooting. He was subsequently fired in July following his arrest in an unrelated domestic violence case. At present, he awaits a bond hearing at the Florence County jail. It’s not yet known if Sellers has legal representation.
Unleashed Police Dog Attack
Sellers initiated a high-speed pursuit of a suspect, identified as 43-year-old William Dwayne Rankin. The chase ended when Rankin crashed his vehicle into a tree and fled into a nearby residence. Sellers, accompanied by his unleashed police dog, entered the home without identifying himself or issuing a warning, say state agents.
In a disturbing sequence of events, he proceeded to order his dog to attack, unaware of the identity of the inhabitants. The canine targeted the homeowner, Johnny Cooper, a man unrelated to the police chase and unfamiliar with Sellers. In a harrowing account, it was revealed that Cooper was subjected to attack by the whole 87 seconds before Sellers managed to stop the dog. The injuries he sustained to his arm and shoulder are reported to be permanent in nature.
Manslaughter Charge
Whilst his dog was attacking Cooper, Sellers, as per the case account, shot the unarmed suspect, Rankin, five times as he lay on a couch, resulting in Rankin’s death. The former deputy has been charged with voluntary manslaughter for his death, a crime that carries a potential sentence of 2 to 30 years.
Additionally, Sellers had to face a charge of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature as a result of the unleashed dog attack on Cooper. The conviction of this charge may amount to a sentence of up to 20 years.
Official Response
Florence County Sheriff, TJ Joye expressed his deep regret and sorrow over the incident, assuring that transparent discussions have been held with the victims’ families. He further emphasized that the actions of deputy Sellers do not reflect the ethos, mission or training of the Florence County Sheriff’s Department.
Not an Isolated Incident
This news comes amidst other shocking crime stories across the nation, from bear attacks in Alaska to fatal domestic accidents, underscoring a broader environment of public security concern.
All information regarding this incident is based on declarations and statements made by state agents, victims and their families, and Florence County officials. Further developments are awaited as the case proceeds.
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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.
