North Charleston Tragedy: Deadly Altercation Leaves Community in Shock

North Charleston Tragedy: An Altercation Turns Deadly

In a shocking turn of events that left the North Charleston community reeling, a pre-Thanksgiving incident outside the Bootjack shoe store on Rivers Avenue escalated into a tragic scene. An altercation involving multiple individuals on November 27 led to one man’s death and a man now facing serious charges.

What Happened That Fateful Day?

According to police reports, the chaos unfolded just after 3 p.m. when Jonathan Reid-Boyd, 24, witnessed his brother being assaulted. In a panicked moment, he rushed to his brother’s aid but not before pressing the gas pedal of his black 2017 Dodge Ram truck. In an act that would change his life forever, he struck 38-year-old Michael Cooper, who was fleeing from the altercation. The shocking footage of the incident has raised serious concerns about public safety and has left many in disbelief.

The Aftermath

When police arrived, they found Cooper lying between two vehicles with “significant injuries” from the impact. Despite the immediate medical attention, Cooper tragically succumbed to his injuries a week later at Trident Medical Center. The Charleston County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death on December 11, marking a dark chapter in the community.

Reid-Boyd’s Legal Troubles

Reid-Boyd was also shot during the incident and was found in a nearby area. He was swiftly arrested and charged with attempted murder the following day. However, due to Cooper’s death, those charges have now been upgraded to murder, according to online jail records. This incident marks Reid-Boyd’s first booking at the Al Cannon Detention Center, an unfortunate first-time experience that many would wish to avoid.

Homicide Rates on the Rise

This tragedy is not an isolated event but rather a chilling reminder of the rising violence in the area. The North Charleston Police Department reported that Cooper’s death brings the total number of homicides under investigation this year to a disturbing 21, with records indicating 29 homicides in the entire year of 2023. The surrounding tri-county area has seen over 70 murders in 2024, raising alarm bells about safety in the community.

A Call for Change

Local leaders and community members are now calling for discussions around public safety and violence prevention. The increasing number of violent incidents has sparked concern among residents who wish for a peaceful neighborhood free from such tragedies. The community’s heart goes out to the families affected by this senseless act of violence, as they navigate their grief in the wake of loss.

Conclusion

The story of Jonathan Reid-Boyd and Michael Cooper serves as a reminder of the complexities of human interactions and the consequences of split-second decisions. As the investigation unfolds, many hope that lessons will be learned, and that communities can come together to foster a safer environment. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.

It’s important to remember that every action has consequences, and in this case, the stakes were tragically high.