News Summary
A suspect, Johnny Andrew Collins Jr., was fatally shot by Greenville County Sheriff’s deputies during an attempted arrest related to outstanding warrants. The confrontation occurred on Cannon Road, leading to an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Five deputies have been placed on administrative leave following the incident, marking the fifth deputy-involved shooting this year in the county. Collins had a criminal history, including attempted murder and kidnapping. The investigation continues, with additional details expected to be released soon.
Greenville County, South Carolina – Fatal Shooting of Suspect by Deputies
Johnny Andrew Collins Jr., a 51-year-old resident of Greer, was identified as the man who was fatally shot by Greenville County Sheriff’s deputies during an attempted apprehension on May 29. The incident occurred around 12:11 p.m. at 3412 Cannon Road. Collins was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:22 p.m., according to law enforcement reports.
Details of the Incident
The Greenville County deputies were assisting the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office to apprehend Collins, who had outstanding warrants against him. At the time of the attempted arrest, Collins reportedly presented a weapon, which prompted deputies to respond with gunfire. Fortunately, no deputies were injured during the incident. Following standard procedure, five deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave.
Background on Johnny Andrew Collins Jr.
Collins was known to have a history of criminal activity, including charges of attempted murder and kidnapping. Records from the Spartanburg County jail indicate that he had escaped from home detention in October 2024, leading to the warrants that prompted the involvement of law enforcement on May 29.
Investigation and Community Impact
In response to the shooting, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has initiated an external investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. This represents the fifth deputy-involved shooting incident in Greenville County within this year, highlighting an ongoing concern regarding law enforcement encounters in the area.
Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis expressed gratitude that none of the deputies sustained any injuries during this encounter. Alongside the investigation, he has requested prayers for the deputies involved as they navigate the emotional and psychological toll of the incident.
Upcoming Information Release
Additional details and findings regarding the shooting will be disclosed through the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office’s official YouTube page on July 13 at 8 a.m., providing further clarity on the incident.
Coroner’s Office Findings
Preliminary examinations by the coroner’s office confirmed that Collins suffered trauma consistent with a gunshot wound, reinforcing the serious nature of the confrontation between Collins and the deputies.
Conclusion
The incident on May 29 has raised questions about law enforcement procedures and the handling of suspects with significant criminal histories. As the investigation unfolds, it will contribute to the wider discourse surrounding deputy-involved shootings and community safety in Greenville County.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina – Drone Video: Deputy Involved Shooting Investigation Greer
- Wikipedia: Greenville County, South Carolina
- WYFF4 – Greenville County Deputy Involved Shooting in Greer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville, South Carolina
- Greenville Online – Greenville County Coroner Identifies Man Fatally Shot
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.
