A stabbing suspect died Sunday after a North Charleston police officer fired during a SWAT entry on Charter Drive, police said. The hostage was brought out safely. SLED will review the use of force.

A person suspected in a stabbing died Sunday evening after a North Charleston police officer fired during a SWAT entry into a home on Charter Drive, the North Charleston Police Department said. A hostage held inside the home was brought out safely.

The department described the incident in a public statement posted at 9:30 p.m. Sunday. It called the details preliminary.

What police said happened

According to the department’s statement:

  • An officer responded to a stabbing in the 5300 block of Charter Drive around 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25.
  • During the investigation, the suspect barricaded themselves inside a residence with a hostage.
  • The department’s crisis negotiators and SWAT team responded.
  • When negotiations failed, the SWAT team breached the residence and an officer fired, wounding the suspect.
  • First responders already at the scene tried lifesaving measures, but the suspect was pronounced dead.
  • The hostage was safely removed and treated by first responders.

“NCPD is committed to transparency and will provide additional information as the investigation allows,” the department said.

The statement does not name the suspect, the person who was stabbed, the hostage or the officer who fired. It does not give the condition of the stabbing victim or the hostage beyond saying the hostage was treated at the scene. We will add those details only as the department, the coroner or SLED release them.

Who is investigating

Two investigations are underway:

  • The stabbing. The North Charleston Police Department is investigating it with the assistance of the Charleston County Coroner’s Office.
  • The police shooting. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been notified and will conduct an independent investigation of the department’s use of force, the department said.

No name had been released when this article was published Monday.

What it means for you

  • The department has not said whether any streets near Charter Drive remain closed.
  • If you saw what happened or have information, the North Charleston Police Department’s main line is (843) 740-2800. Tips can also go through the department’s CrimeWatch page.
  • This page will be updated as the department, the coroner and SLED release more information. It will not become a new story.

Arrests, incidents and calls from the department’s own releases are collected each week on the North Charleston Police and Fire log. If a person named in our coverage is later cleared, use our update route and we will amend the item.

Frequently asked questions

What happened on Charter Drive in North Charleston on Oct. 25?

The North Charleston Police Department said an officer responded to a stabbing in the 5300 block of Charter Drive around 5 p.m. Sunday. The suspect barricaded themselves inside a home with a hostage. When negotiations failed, the SWAT team went in, an officer fired and the suspect was pronounced dead. The hostage was brought out safely and treated by first responders.

Who is investigating the North Charleston police shooting?

The North Charleston Police Department is investigating the stabbing with help from the Charleston County Coroner’s Office. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) will run an independent investigation of the department’s use of force.