SLED investigating officer-involved shooting in Sumter County

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division officials are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at a Sumter County residence Saturday morning that left one suspect wounded but in stable condition.

Braden Bunch, a Sumter County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, said two sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Colts Run in the Dalzell community around 10:15 a.m. in reference to a domestic dispute. When officers arrived, the spoke with 39-year-old Michael Dinkins, whowas identified as the suspect in the incident.

Bunch said preliminary findings reveal that Dinkins allegedly became aggressive with the deputies outside of the residence. The deputies fired their tasers at Dinkins in an effort to subdue him, but they were unsuccessful. Dinkins then allegedly attempted to take one of the deputy’s holstered firearm. During the struggle, both deputies fired their weapons at Dinkins.

Dinkins was treated on scene by Sumter County Emergency Medical Services before being airlifted to a Columbia-area hospital, according to Bunch.

The deputies, identified as Cpl. Symeon Graham and Senior Dep. Desmon Sabb, were not physically injured in the incident. Both of the deputies have been placed on administrative duty pending the SLED investigation.

“While we will await the results of the SLED investigation, the early findings seem to indicate these officers acted properly and in accordance with their training and protocols,” Sheriff Anthony Dennis said.

At this time, Dinkins faces charges of domestic violence, resisting arrest and assaulting a law enforcement officer and more charges are possible, Bunch said.