Shooting incidents under investigation
There were two shooting incidents reported in Beaufort County recently and both are currently under investigation.
The first incident was reported on the morning of Feb. 18 on Hilton Head Island.
A man told the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office that he was approached by an unknown man on a bicycle path near Southwood Park. He said the man demanded that he empty his pockets, and when he refused, the suspect shot at him. He was hit by one of the bullets and said he ran to the Hilton Head Regional Medical Center.
Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators responded, but said when he was interviewed that he “was less than cooperative and provided very little detail of the incident,” according to a sheriff’s office report.
The man was treated for gunshot wounds and later released from the hospital.
The second shooting incident occurred just after 2 a.m. on Feb. 19 at a home on Eva Drive in Sheldon.
Occupants of the residence reported they woke to the sound of gunshots and bullets striking their home. The three adults and an infant were not injured.
Investigators interviewed victims, witnesses and processed the scene for forensic evidence. Multiple shell casings were located in the yard and driveway and were collected. Investigators said the home had been struck by at least 10 bullets during the incident. In addition, investigators said a few bullets struck a vehicle parked just outside the front door of the residence.
The suspects have not been identified or located in either incident. Anyone with information on the Hilton Head Island incident is encouraged to call Cpl. Seth Reynells at 843-255-3709. Those with information regarding the Sheldon incident are asked to call Sgt. Adam Draisen at 843-255-3409.
To remain anonymous and to collect a possible reward, call CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC.
One rescued from Gray’s Hill wreck
A female driver was rescued from a single-vehicle accident in the Gray’s Hill community on Bruce K Smalls Road just after 9 a.m. on Feb. 17.
Fire crews arrived on the scene and found a pickup truck in a ditch with the female driver still trapped inside.
One lane of Bruce K Smalls was closed for approximately 45 minutes while firefighters assisted the driver, who was removed from the vehicle and transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
A second Gray’s Hill motor vehicle accident occurred earlier in morning just before 7a.m. at the intersection of Bruce K Smalls and Trask Parkway. One female driver was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Burton Fire District has responded to 42 motor vehicle accidents so far in 2017, which is an increase from 36 motor vehicle accidents during the same time period in 2016.
Sheriff’s office asks for help in solving crime
On Feb. 18, 1999, Elshawndrae Devon Jones, 22, and Toby Bing, 18, were reported missing after leaving the home of a relative to meet with a man named Sean Sullivan in Bluffton.
An investigation revealed Jones was involved in narcotics dealing and may have been engaged in a transaction at the time of their disappearance.
Investigators found that there was a crime scene on the front porch of Sullivan’s Hyon Road residence.
An area with a large amount of dried blood was discovered under the porch and the siding of the mobile home and front porch showed recent cleaning with a bleach-type substance.
The vehicle driven by Jones and Bing was discovered abandoned in Savannah, although video was not of quality to effectively identify the driver.
DNA analysis of the blood discovered beneath Sullivan’s front porch matched Toby Bing.
Charges were brought against Sullivan for the murder of Bing, but were dismissed in the interest of federal indictments and prosecution. It is believed and as evidenced by testimony in federal court that Sullivan and his associate, Kenneth Campbell, lured Jones and Bing to Sullivan’s remote Hyon Road residence in Bluffton on Feb. 18.
Sheriff’s office investigators believe Jones and Bing were murdered at the residence and their bodies disposed of.
Jones DNA was not found at Sullivan’s residence, but it is believed he met the same fate.
Sullivan and Campbell are currently serving heavy sentences in federal prison on narcotics-related offenses.
A reward of up to $2,500 is offered for information leading to an arrest in any Beaufort County cold case.
During some criminal investigations, investigators might exhaust all credible leads in a case. When this happens, the case can become stagnant or what is typically known as “cold.”
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is making these cold case files accessible to the public in hopes that someone might come forward with information that may not have yet been uncovered.
No matter how insignificant it may seem, any information offered in reference to a cold case could prove to be the missing link needed to solve the case.
Anyone with any information can contact Capt. Bob Bromage at 843-255- 3402, 843-816-8013 or at robertb@bcgov.net.
To remain anonymous and to collect a possible reward, call CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC.
Sheriff’s office is hiring for sheriff’s technicians
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is hiring to fill positions as sheriff’s technicians in its Administrative Section.
The employees perform countless administrative and clerical duties that keep the agency running smoothly and efficiently.
Sheriff’s technicians will need to have a keen eye for detail and be computer savvy. They are also the public face presented to people seeking documents of various types from the agency while being pleasant and personable to the general public through face-to-face or via telephone interactions.
To apply or read more about the positions, visit www.bcso.net/Employment/Open%20Positions.php.
Citizen’s Police Academy enrollment is open
Have you ever wanted to know what is it like being a law enforcement officer?
Have you ever wondered if what you see on CSI is real?
Have you ever wanted to know what your tax dollars are spent on in relation to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office?
Maybe you just want to learn more strategies in protecting yourself, family and property.
If you answered yes to any of these questions you may want to attend the Citizen’s Police Academy.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is inviting all citizens who live or work in Beaufort County and are at least 18 years old to attend its Citizen’s Police Academy.
Since 2002, the sheriff’s office has hosted 39 sessions of the CPA and have partnered with over 2,000 dedicated citizens.
The 10-week sessions in Beaufort will be held on Tuesdays starting on March 14, at the Law Enforcement Center at 2001 Duke St.
Classes run from 6-9 p.m.
The sheriff’s office provides each member with an in-depth digital manual and refreshments. Some of the topics covered by CPA instructors include enforcement, criminal investigations, civil process, warrants, juvenile services, training, homeland security, drug enforcement, traffic enforcement, special teams, gangs, budget process and more.
Applications for the Citizen’s Police Academy are available at the sheriff’s office or on its website at www.bsco.net.
Applications can be emailed to mjennings@bcgov.net, faxed to 843-255-9457 or mailed to P.O. Box 1758, Beaufort, SC 29901.
Seating is limited, so apply as soon as possible.
For questions or comments, contact MSgt. Mike Jennings at 843-255-3287 or mjennings@bcgov.net.
