A Pelzer man with mental health issues was fatally shot by an Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputy during an incident that happened Friday (June 5).
According to reports, Medshore Ambulance Service, Anderson County EMS, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Office of the Coroner responded to 106 Rogers Drive in Pelzer around 7:30 pm after a man was shot by a law enforcement officer.
The Anderson County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as David Vernon Milton, 70, of Pelzer. The victim died as a result of gunshot wound to the chest.
The investigation indicates that Medshore Ambulance Service and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office were at the location involving a person suffering from mental health issues. During interaction with the man, the subject displayed multiple weapons and then attempted to attack the officer with a screwdriver.
The investigation is on-going by the Anderson County Office of the Coroner and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
SLED investigating shooting
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating the officer involved shooting that occurred on Friday, in Pelzer.
According to SLED, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to a home on Roger Drive in Pelzer, regarding an individual near the road, possibly needing medical attention.
A deputy responded to the area and encountered a man in a camper who was later identified as David Milton, 70. During the interaction, Milton grabbed a sword, then a hammer, and then a screwdriver from inside the camper.
The deputy made repeated attempts to get Milton to an ambulance on scene.
During the encounter, there was an altercation where Milton was armed with the screwdriver and the deputy shot him. Milton was pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured.
SLED was requested to investigate by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and remains an ongoing investigation.
SLED conducts law enforcement officer involved shooting (OIS) investigations at the request of the agency involved in the incident or the agency with jurisdiction. When requested to investigate an OIS, SLED’s goal is to conduct a thorough, independent criminal investigation as timely as is possible under the circumstances.
SLED agents will conduct interviews with all potential witnesses in this matter. Further, SLED will collect all relevant evidence and will forensically test such evidence as needed. Information gathered in the SLED investigation of the incident will be summarized in a case file report to be submitted to prosecutors.
The incident in Anderson County is the 18th officer involved shooting in South Carolina in 2026.
This is the 2nd officer involved shooting for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office this year.
In 2025, there were 45 officer involved shootings in South Carolina.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office had 2 officer involved shootings last year.
