N. Charleston Officer-Involved Shooting Dashcam Footage Released
In North Charleston, South Carolina, dashcam footage from an officer-involved shooting that took place on February 4 has been made public. The video offers a glimpse into the events leading up to the gunfire. The incident unfolded after police officers patrolling Dorchester Road noticed a group congregating around an abandoned building at the corner of Kent Avenue and Bailey Drive.
The Incident Details
According to incident reports, the gathered group was openly smoking marijuana. As Officer Britton McClellan, 27, a one-year veteran of the North Charleston Police Department, arrived on the scene, one individual from the group departed the scene running around the building. Reporting officers identified this person as being armed with a handgun.
The video provides footage of McClellan pursuing the individual, leading them both out of the camera’s view behind the building. Spokesperson Renée Wunderlich from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) revealed that during the foot chase, McClellan discharged his firearm at the fleeing man. However, there is currently no evidence suggesting anyone sustained injuries in the incident.
The Investigation Process
McClellan’s actions during the event are currently under investigation. According to North Charleston Police, they have not yet had the opportunity to interview McClellan, who has only spoken with SLED investigators. A handgun was discovered in the vicinity of the chase, as reported by SLED. McClellan is currently positioned on administrative duty pending the final outcome of SLED’s ongoing investigation.
Shooting Incidents in 2024
This incident marked the sixth officer-involved shooting in South Carolina this year and was the North Charleston Police Department’s first such incident of 2024. Since then, there has been another police-involved shooting incident in the state, involving North Charleston Police Department on February 21, noted by SLED.
Conclusion
The release of the dashcam footage marks a significant step in investigating the February 4 incident. The North Charleston Police Department awaits the final results of SLED’s investigation, pending which Officer Britton McClellan remains on administrative duty.
