YORK COUNTY, SC – The York County Sheriff’s Office has received public inquiries regarding the details surrounding the January 16th shooting of four York County law enforcement officers. During the sentencing of Christian Thomas McCall, Solicitor Kevin Brackett discussed in detail the chain of events that began on January 15, 2018 and ended with the death of Detective Micheal Doty on January 17, 2018.
The question has been raised as to whether McCall fired the shot that wounded Sergeant Kyle Cummings. Forensic testing was unable to conclusively establish the identity of the individual that fired the shot that wounded Sergeant Cummings; however, testing eliminated all weapons that were fired during the incident, except for the weapon fired by Lieutenant J.M. Ligon. Forensic testing was able to definitively determine that Sergeant Randy Clinton, Sergeant Buddy Brown and Detective Mike Doty were struck by rounds fired by McCall.
“During the search for a suspect that had already assaulted his wife and shot Sergeant Clinton, that suspect ambushed several officers with an AK47 assault rifle and a gunfight ensued. In only a matter of seconds, gunfire was exchanged and three officers sustained injuries, as well as the suspect,” said Sheriff Tolson. “While it is likely that the shot that wounded Sergeant Cummings was fired by Lieutenant Ligon, the ultimate responsibility for the attempted murder of Sergeant Cummings rests with Christian Thomas McCall.”
The Sheriff’s Office and entire York County law enforcement family sincerely appreciates all of the support the community has shown in response to this tragedy. Please continue to offer your support and prayers to our officers and their families as we continue to heal.
Pursuant to Sheriff’s Office policy, Lieutenant Ligon is currently working an administrative assignment until the conclusion of the internal investigation of the January shooting.