On March 19, 2022 Irvin D. Moorer-Charley, 34, of Columbia was shot and killed in a police shooting where Officer Zachary Hentz used what appears to be the proper use of force as explained by Sheriff Lott. Under South Carolina Code of Laws SECTION 16-11-450 Officer Hentz fearing for his life has Immunity from criminal prosecution and civil actions while serving and protecting the community. The incident took place when officers were responding to a domestic call on Heyward Brockington Road before 6 p.m. Officers received a complaint that Moorer-Charley had been violent toward several relatives. Officers tried to deescalate the situation, but as shown on the body cam video Moorer-Charley advanced toward Officer Hentz with a sharp wooden object while ignoring four verbal commands to stop. Deputies attempted to deployed a less-lethal taser on Moorer-Charley without success. After Moorer-Charley was shot deputies rendered CPR on him until EMS arrived. No deputies were reported injured.
Sheriff Lott stated, "this is a sad tragedy for all of those involved.” When asked questions Sheriff Lott noted that deputies cannot be expected to sacrifice their lives in dangerous situations. Both Sheriff Lott and Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford stated that there has been several false social media posts on Facebook stating "Unarmed Black man was shot 10 times in the middle of a mental health crisis," and "He had a stick in his hand.”
Moorer-Charley was previously arrested on 12/12/2021 (Booking Number 610338) in Richland County for Domestic/Domestic Violence 3rd Degree with a bond of $1,087.50. Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford stated that "Richland County Sheriff’s Department will fully investigate this shooting.”
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