Call regarding suspicious person led to West Ashley officer-involved shooting: SLED

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A call regarding a suspicious person at a Walgreens in West Ashley led to an officer-involved shooting, according to state police.

An officer with the Charleston Police Department (CPD) responded to 1115 Old Towne Road around 6:42 p.m. for a call for service that was linked to an ongoing investigation. Once at the scene, Charleston PD Chief Chito Walker said the officer encountered the suspect and a foot chase ensued.

Shots were exchanged between the officer and the suspect at one point. The suspect was located near 1205 Ashley River Road and was taken into custody without further incident.

Both suffered some type of injury during the incident.

Chief Walker made clear the officer was not shot but did suffer an injury to his hand that required medical attention. Sgt. Anthony Gibson, a department spokesman, said earlier Monday morning that the officer had been released from the hospital and was expected to make a full recovery.

Meanwhile, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) said the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Christopher Leon Hampton, was treated for a gunshot wound and later released from the hospital.

SLED was called to investigate the incident. The agency has charged Hampton with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

The officer was placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol for an officer-involved shooting.