Four officers injured during "ambush" shooting in York County
YORK COUNTY, SC (FOX 46 WJZY) - Four law enforcement officers who are in the hospital after being shot during a manhunt following a domestic violence call have been identified by the York County Sheriff's Office.
Det. Michael Doty is in critical condition and is "hanging on to life," Sgt. Randy Clinton is awaiting surgery but has non-life threatening injuries, Sgt. Buddy Brown is out of surgery and is doing well, and Sgt. Kyle Cummings with the York County SWAT Team is also recovering at this time, police said. A GoFundMe account has been started to support their medical bills and recovery.
According to the York County Sheriff's Office, all four law enforcement officers were "ambushed" by the suspect, identified as Christian Thomas McCall, 47, while on scene.
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Deputies had received a call by McCall's wife for a domestic violence situation at 3042 Farrier Lane around 10:10 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15. By the time deputies arrived, the suspect, McCall, had left the scene and a foot search began, with the help of a K-9 unit.
Sgt. Randy Clinton was reportedly shot by McCall while searching with the K-9 team, shortly after 1 a.m. Tuesday morning, about 300 to 400 yards away from the house. Sgt. Clinton was transported to Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina where he is receiving treatment.
During the search for McCall, around 3:30 a.m. three other York County law enforcement officers were shot, according to the York County Sheriff. Two were taken to Carolinas Medical Center by aviation units and the third was transported by ground. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department assisted by blocking roadways enroute to Carolinas Medical Center.
At some point during the manhunt for McCall, authorities said he shot at a SLED chopper as it was searching for him near Farrier Lane. No pilots were injured.
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McCall also sustained gunshot wounds and is at CMC-Main being treated for his injuries, the sheriff's office said. He has previous ties to the Charlotte area.
Warrants have been issued for McCall's arrest following his release from CMC- Main, including three counts of attempted murder and first-degree domestic violence.
Timeline:
- 10:08 p.m. domestic violence call made from home at 3042 Farrier Lane, located just outside of York, South Carolina
- 10:20 p.m. first officer arrives on scene, where suspect fled from the home. K-9 Unit begins to search for suspect
- 1:00 a.m. during this time, a York County Sheriff's K-9 Officer was shot
- 3:30 a.m. search continues for suspect and three more law enforcement officers were shot; a York Police Officer with SWAT and two York County Deputies with SWAT
The York County Sheriff’s Office has asked the public for prayers. SLED is handling this investigation moving forward and providing support to the sheriff's office.