Greenville County, August 22, 2025
News Summary
In response to a surge in violent crime following a tragic shooting that claimed the life of a five-year-old, Greenville County established a Violent Crimes Task Force. This initiative aims to enhance public safety by targeting violent offenders and reducing gun violence in the area. Since its launch, the task force has reportedly led to a significant decrease in shootings and increased community safety. With robust support from law enforcement and community leaders, the task force is committed to continuing its efforts to combat crime.
Greenville County has taken significant steps to combat a surge in violent crime following the tragic death of a five-year-old when a shooting occurred at the Fleetwood Manor apartment complex. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office launched a Violent Crimes Task Force in early 2025 to address the dramatic increase in gun violence, which reported 30 shootings in the first weeks of the year. This initiative was directly influenced by the need to enhance public safety after the incident that severely impacted the local community.
The task force employs the manpower and resources from all divisions within the sheriff’s office to intensify efforts against violent offenders, seize illegal firearms, and disrupt ongoing criminal activities in the area. Sheriff Hobart Lewis has confirmed a marked decrease in shootings since the task force’s inception. From January 1 to May 15, 2025, the county recorded 30 shootings; however, from May 16 to August 10, only 13 shootings were reported, indicating a substantial response to the violence.
During the summer months, the task force was enhanced with the deployment of 80 to 100 deputies, exhibiting a robust commitment to significantly reducing violent crime. Their efforts included the seizure of 30 firearms, with five of them reported as stolen, alongside various drugs and over $15,000 in cash. Comparative crime statistics reveal an approximate 28% reduction in overall crime rates from January to June 2024 compared to the same period in 2025, underscoring the effectiveness of the task force’s strategic interventions.
The formation of the task force initially stemmed from the horrific shooting incident in April that resulted in the child’s death, galvanizing community leaders and law enforcement to prioritize public safety. Community faith leader U.A. Thompson has acknowledged the sheriff’s office’s proactive measures in addressing violent crime and supporting impacted families.
Looking ahead, Sheriff Lewis plans for the task force’s operations to continue annually during the summer, with the possibility of smaller deployments throughout the year to maintain pressure on criminal organizations. There are ongoing discussions with the county council regarding potential funding to sustain these efforts beyond their initial phase.
Recently, a separate shooting at Highland Square Apartments left two individuals injured, sparking renewed concern among residents. Reports indicate a state of panic during this incident, with some neighbors expressing heightened fears for their safety and considering relocating. The condition of those injured remains undisclosed, and no information about the suspects involved has been released thus far. The sheriff’s office encourages the public to come forward with information related to this incident or any unresolved cases, including a longstanding murder case from 2012 involving an individual named Al Ali Perkins.
The community’s engagement is deemed essential in recovering from the violence that has affected their neighborhoods, fostering a partnership between law enforcement and residents to build a safer environment for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason behind the creation of the Violent Crimes Task Force?
The task force was created in response to a tragic shooting incident that led to the death of a five-year-old child, highlighting the urgent need to combat rising gun violence in Greenville County.
What steps has the task force taken to reduce violent crime?
The task force has utilized manpower from all divisions of the sheriff’s office to target violent offenders, remove illegal firearms, and disrupt criminal activities. Notably, they have seized firearms, drugs, and cash during operations.
What has been the impact of the task force on shooting incidents in the area?
There has been a notable decrease in shootings—from 30 reported between January and mid-May 2025 to only 13 reported from mid-May to August 2025, indicating the task force’s effectiveness in reducing violent crime.
How is the task force funded, and are there plans for future funding?
Funding for the task force is currently derived from the sheriff’s office budget, but there are discussions with the county council to secure additional funding for future operations and possibly extend its activities throughout the year.
Key Features of the Violent Crimes Task Force in Greenville County
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Establishment Date | Launched in early 2025 |
| Inciting Incident | Death of five-year-old child due to a shooting |
| Deployment Size | 80 to 100 deputies during summer months |
| Gun Seizures | 30 guns seized (5 stolen) |
| Drug and Cash Seizures | Various drugs and over $15,000 in cash |
| Overall Crime Reduction | About 28% decrease in crime from January to June 2024 vs. 2025 |
| Community Engagement | Encouragement for public to report crimes and provide information |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
FBI Agents Sent to D.C. to Combat Rising Crime
Police Officer Involved Shooting in Greenville Leaves Man Hospitalized
Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Wikipedia: Greenville County, South Carolina
- Fox Carolina
- Google Search: Greenville County Sheriff
- WSPA News
- Google Scholar: Greenville County Task Force
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Count On 2 News
- Google News: Greenville County Shootings
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
