Cherokee County Standoff: Armed Suspect Fires at Deputies Amid Rising Trend of Police Confrontations

By James Seidel | CC News Network | Crime & Cask Investigations

CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. — A domestic violence call escalated into a violent confrontation in Cherokee County when a heavily armed suspect opened fire on deputies, marking another incident in a growing trend of dangerous encounters between law enforcement and suspects.​

Incident Overview

Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on Bridges Road around 10 a.m. Saturday, where 58-year-old Gregory Scott Byers was reported to have threatened a woman and fired several shots inside a residence. Upon arrival, Byers confronted deputies with a shotgun, refusing commands to disarm.​

In the ensuing confrontation, a deputy shot Byers in the upper arm, causing him to drop the shotgun. However, Byers produced a concealed pistol and attempted to fire at deputies, prompting another deputy to shoot him in the leg. During the struggle, Byers grabbed a deputy’s firearm and discharged it into the air. Deputies deployed a taser to subdue him, discovering another pistol, an ammo pouch, and additional ammunition on his person.​

Byers was arrested and is facing multiple charges, including four counts of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and domestic violence. No deputies were injured, though all were exposed to Byers’ blood while providing first aid. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating the incident, and three deputies have been placed on administrative leave, standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.​

A Growing Concern

This incident reflects a troubling national trend of increased violence against law enforcement officers. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Justice, assaults on officers have risen significantly in recent years. Factors contributing to this surge include the proliferation of firearms, mental health crises, and a rise in anti-police sentiment.​

In 2024, the NYPD reported a record-breaking 4,600 injuries to officers, a 13% increase from the previous year. Experts attribute this rise to factors such as bail reform policies, recidivism, and a perceived lack of consequences for assaulting officers.​

Community Impact

The Cherokee County incident underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face daily and the importance of addressing the root causes of such violent encounters. As investigations continue, the community grapples with the implications of this event and the broader issue of escalating violence against police.​

James Seidel is the lead investigative reporter for CC News Network. For tips or information related to this story, contact jim@crimeandcask.com.

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