Coroner IDs Russell A. Scudder-Sumpter as Suspect Killed by Police

The Charleston County Coroner’s Office has identified the suspect killed in a Sunday evening officer-involved shooting on Charter Drive as 57-year-old Russell A. Scudder-Sumpter of North Charleston. The incident, which resulted in the suspect’s death at the scene, followed a stabbing and a subsequent barricade situation that drew a heavy police response.

Police Respond to Stabbing and Barricade Situation

The sequence of events began at approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday when an adult woman, who had been stabbed, fled to a neighbor’s home on the 5300 block of Charter Drive to report the crime to authorities. Following this call, North Charleston police officers arrived at the location to find that Scudder-Sumpter had barricaded himself inside a residence with a second victim.

The situation prompted the deployment of the North Charleston Police Department’s Crisis Negotiators and SWAT Team. Law enforcement officials engaged in a period of negotiation with the suspect in an attempt to resolve the standoff peacefully. However, after negotiations failed, the SWAT team made entry into the home. During this operation, Scudder-Sumpter was shot by police. Despite the immediate administration of life-saving measures, the coroner confirmed that Scudder-Sumpter was pronounced deceased at the scene at 8 p.m.

Coroner IDs Russell A. Scudder-Sumpter as Suspect Killed by Police — Photo: live5news.com

SLED Investigates Shooting as Victims Receive Treatment

Both the initial victim of the stabbing and the second individual held inside the home were transported to a hospital for treatment. As of the latest reports, their medical conditions remain unknown. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is currently leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, with assistance from the Charleston County Coroner’s Office. The North Charleston Police Department continues to coordinate with state investigators as the case proceeds.