Exchange of gunfire leads to SC man’s death in confrontation with law enforcement

A man wanted for unlawful communication after an ex-girlfriend called law enforcement to report he had threatened her was killed Wednesday in a confrontation with four deputies.

Greenville County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Terrance Maurice Sligh, 34.

The man’s mother, Deborah Roberts, said in a statement, “I am heartbroken at today’s events, but in my grief I am asking for a full, complete and transparent investigation into the events surrounding my son’s death. At the appropriate time I will make a more detailed statement.”

The State Law Enforcement Division is handling the investigation as it does with all shootings involving officers.

Sheriff Hobart Lewis said the ex-girlfriend reported the man texted her and then sent her a photo of a gun. They had been broken up for a while, the sheriff said, and he had recently resumed communications.

Officers obtained the warrant to “give her some level of comfort” until she could get an order of protection.

He said they found him in an apartment complex in Taylors where a family member lived, followed him as he drove away but then were able to stop him. When they got out of their cars, an exchange of gunfire took place. Lewis said he did not know how many rounds were fired.

“Multiple,” he said.

No deputies were injured. They were placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation. A critical incident community briefing will be released on the Sheriff’s Office YouTube page at 8 a.m. Nov. 12.

This story was originally published September 28, 2022 at 2:39 PM.