The Charleston Police Department released additional information regarding the officer-involved shooting that occurred yesterday morning. The incident is currently under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and any questions related to their investigation should be directed to their agency.
On November 21, 2024 at approximately 10 a.m., Charleston Police Department officers responded to a report of a physical altercation between two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. Upon arrival, officers encountered the individuals involved.
During the interaction, one of the men presented and pointed a firearm. In response, two officers discharged their service weapons, striking the armed individual. Officers immediately rendered medical aid on the scene, and the individual was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
No officers were injured during the incident.
The officers involved have been identified as:
- Officer Anthony Vazquez (6 years of service)
- Officer Darren Schlegel (5 years of service)
Both officers are members of the Quick Response Squad within the Operations Bureau. In accordance with department policy, both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.
The deceased suspect has been identified as 37-year-old Andrew Reynard Williams.
The department is aware of a bystander video circulating online that shows a portion of the encounter. While the footage may raise questions, it lacks critical context. To provide additional clarity for this specific incident, Chief Walker has shared excerpts of the involved officers’ body-worn camera footage during today’s briefing.
The footage will stop moments before the shooting occurs out of respect for the gravity of the incident and the fact that this incident represents a loss of life. A family is grieving today, and the Charleston Police Departments recognizes that a loss is being felt.
The Charleston Police Department expresses gratitude to partnering agencies for their assistance following the incident to include the College of Charleston Department of Public Safety that was there immediately after the incident and stayed for the duration of the on-scene investigation. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office supported calls for service immediately after the event, and both the North Charleston and Mount Pleasant Police Departments offered their assistance as well.
Chief Walker stated, “This was a situation no one wanted—neither our officers, our community, nor the family of the individual involved. Our officers faced a split-second decision in a dangerous situation, and they now carry the immense weight of that moment.”
The department remains fully committed to cooperating with SLED’s investigation.
November 21, 2024 OIS Body Camera Excerpts
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Media Release
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Media Contact: Sgt. C. Stinson