Richland County Man Faces Charges Over Officer-Engaged Shooting at Lexington Medical Center
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C.
A Richland County man has been charged by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in relation to an officer-involved shooting at the Lexington Medical Center last week. This incident provoked an urgent response from the law enforcement agencies.
Incident Details
On Thursday, SLED charged 35-year-old Steven Rutland with the unlawful possession of a firearm. The alleged shooting incident took place at the Lexington Medical Center on August 2, 2024, placing Rutland at the center of SLED’s investigation.
While no employees of the hospital were injured in the incident, a patient did suffer non-fatal wounds. Upon the incident, the Lexington Medical Center Department of Public Safety engaged SLED to carry out a comprehensive investigation.
Investigation and Legal Outcomes
Rutland was placed under arrest and transported to the Lexington County Detention Center. The investigation, as per the latest information, is active and ongoing.
During the incident, local law enforcement resources detected frantic and concerning activity through broadcast scanners. From this ambient noise, a resounding “Shots fired,” followed by “Subject did have a gun. He was hit, they’re taking him to trauma,” could be heard over the airwaves.
Response from Authorities
The unfolding apprehensions, chaos, and urgency highlight the severity of the incident and the immediate response required from law enforcement. The potential danger that Rutland may have posed, while expressing a serious concern for security, also highlights the immediacy of the issue.
To Conclude
With Rutland now in custody and the ongoing SLED investigation, more facts surrounding the incident are coming to light. In spite of the turmoil, the swift response of the law enforcement agencies must be commended. As they continue to manage the situation and keep the peace, the safety of those in the vicinity remains their topmost priority. The charges laid on Rutland reiterate the zero-tolerance policy against the unlawful use of firearms and violence.
Stay connected for more updates on the issue as they arrive.
