Suspect dies after warrant leads to car chase and shootout with SC sheriff’s deputies

A suspect died Sept. 9 after exchanging gunfire with Florence County sheriff’s deputies in Williamsburg County, authorities said.

Victims and police response

Deputies were trying to serve an arrest warrant to Nelson Boyd Chavis, 40, during a traffic stop on Lake City Highway when the suspect fled and led deputies in a car chase into Williamsburg County, according to a news release from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.

Chavis then jumped out of his car and ran on foot into a wooded area off Muddy Creek Road.

According to a State Law Enforcement Division news release, Chavis shot at deputies with a handgun, who returned fire.

Chavis died in transit to the hospital, according to the SLED release. No deputies were injured. Florence County Sheriff T.J.

The episode is the 27th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina in 2026 and the first involving the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, according to SLED.

Shooting investigation

Joye has asked SLED to investigate the shooting. The arrest warrant was for burglary and stolen weapons, Joye said.

An investigation into the case is still ongoing, according to SLED.