In the line of duty, 21-year-old Charleston County Police Department Patrolman Steven B. Hiott, a white male, was killed on October 29, 1982, in North Charleston, South Carolina. The incident began as a routine traffic stop involving a suspect believed to have stolen beer from a store. A struggle ensued between the suspect and Patrolman Hiott and his partner, Michael O'Connell.
During the altercation, the suspect managed to gain control of Officer O'Connell's handgun.
He then fatally shot Patrolman Hiott and severely wounded Officer O'Connell. The injuries Officer O'Connell sustained were life-altering; he lost an eye and suffered impaired hearing, which ultimately ended his career in law enforcement.
The suspect, a 21-year-old male, was apprehended. He was later convicted of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault. For these crimes, he received a 30-year prison sentence. Despite the length of his sentence, he was released from prison on March 26, 1998.
