Deputy Shot During Traffic Stop in Anderson County: What We Know

On June 10, 2024, a deputy with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office was shot during a routine traffic stop in South Carolina. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Austin Robertson, allegedly opened fire on the officer before fleeing the scene. The deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital before being released. Robertson was apprehended later that day following a brief manhunt and is now facing multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.

This incident has reignited discussions about officer safety during traffic stops and the growing concern over modified firearms being used in violent crimes. Below is a detailed, verified account of what happened, based on official statements and reporting from trusted news sources.

Details of the Traffic Stop Shooting

According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy James Holloway initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Highway 28 and SC-24 in Pendleton around 6:15 p.m. The stop was made due to a expired license plate and suspected equipment violations.

As Deputy Holloway approached the driver’s side window, the passenger — later identified as Austin Robertson — exited the vehicle and opened fire with a handgun. The deputy was struck once in the upper torso but was able to return fire and take cover. Robertson then fled on foot into a nearby wooded area.

Emergency medical services responded promptly, and Deputy Holloway was transported to AnMed Health Medical Center in Anderson. He underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition. By June 12, he had been discharged and was recovering at home.

WYFF 4 News reported that Sheriff Chad McBride confirmed the deputy’s injuries were not life-threatening and praised his quick thinking under fire.

Suspect Identified and Apprehended

Austin Robertson, 32, of Anderson, was taken into custody around 9:30 p.m. The same night after a K-9 unit tracked him to a wooded area off Aged Greenville Highway. He was found in possession of a 9mm semi-automatic pistol that investigators said had been altered to increase its rate of fire.

Court records show Robertson has a prior criminal history, including arrests for drug possession, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and resisting arrest. He is currently being held at the Anderson County Detention Center without bond.

The Anderson Independent Mail confirmed that Robertson faces charges of:

• Attempted murder
• Possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime
• Felony unlawful carrying of a pistol
• Resisting arrest
• Reckless endangerment

Concerns Over Modified Firearms

Sheriff McBride stated that the firearm used by Robertson appeared to be a “modified version” of a standard semi-automatic pistol, suggesting it may have been altered to function similarly to a fully automatic weapon. While the exact nature of the modification is still under forensic analysis by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), officials confirmed the weapon had been tampered with to increase its firing capacity.

Modifying a semi-automatic firearm to fire automatically is illegal under both federal and South Carolina law. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) defines such modifications as converting a weapon into a machine gun, which is strictly regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

According to the ATF’s official guidance, any device that increases a semi-automatic weapon’s rate of fire to mimic automatic fire — such as a binary trigger, bump stock, or sear modification — may constitute an illegal machine gun if not properly registered.

SLED has not yet released specifics on the type of modification found on Robertson’s weapon, but investigators said it was not a commercially available bump stock and appeared to be a custom alteration.

Officer Safety and Traffic Stop Risks

Traffic stops remain one of the most dangerous aspects of law enforcement work. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), nearly one-third of all officer fatalities in the line of duty occur during traffic-related incidents, including pursuits and stops.

In 2023, 12 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in the United States during traffic stops or pursuits, according to preliminary FBI data. While fatalities are relatively rare, non-fatal shootings and assaults during stops are more common.

The Anderson County incident underscores the need for continued training in tactical awareness, de-escalation, and rapid response during unpredictable encounters. Deputy Holloway’s ability to return fire and seek cover likely prevented a more tragic outcome.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation

Local officials and community leaders have expressed support for Deputy Holloway and condemned the violence. Anderson County Council Chair Tommy Dunn issued a statement saying, “Our deputies put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. This senseless act of violence will not be tolerated.”

A fundraiser has been launched through the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Foundation to support Deputy Holloway’s recovery and provide assistance to his family.

The case is being prosecuted by the 10th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. As of June 15, 2024, Robertson has not entered a plea. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for late July.

Key Takeaways

• Deputy James Holloway was shot during a traffic stop in Anderson County, SC, on June 10, 2024, by suspect Austin Robertson.
• The deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has been released from the hospital.
• Robertson was apprehended the same night and is being held without bond on multiple felony charges.
• The firearm used appeared to be illegally modified to increase its rate of fire, raising concerns about unlawful weapon alterations.
• Traffic stops remain a high-risk activity for law enforcement, emphasizing the need for officer safety training and equipment.
• The investigation is ongoing, with SLED and the ATF assisting in forensic analysis of the weapon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Was the deputy who was shot identified?

Yes, the injured officer has been identified as Deputy James Holloway of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. He has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

What charges is Austin Robertson facing?

Robertson faces charges of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, felony unlawful carrying of a pistol, resisting arrest, and reckless endangerment.

Was the gun used in the shooting illegal?

Investigators believe the 9mm pistol used by Robertson was illegally modified to increase its rate of fire, which may constitute an unlawful machine gun under federal and state law. The modification is under forensic review by SLED and the ATF.

Is Deputy Holloway okay?

Yes. Deputy Holloway underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition. He was discharged from AnMed Health Medical Center on June 12 and is recovering at home.

How common are shootings during traffic stops?

While fatal shootings during traffic stops are relatively rare, assaults on officers during stops are a significant concern. According to the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) program, hundreds of officers are assaulted each year during traffic-related encounters.

Where can I support Deputy Holloway or the sheriff’s office?

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Foundation is accepting donations to support injured deputies and their families. More information is available at andersoncountysheriff.org.