Deputy Recovers After Shooting, Killing Suspect

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — A Richland County Sheriff’s deputy is shaken but eager to remain on active duty, following an altercation with a suspect that lead to the deputy shooting and killing the man. Three-year deputy, Reginald Grant, suffered minor injuries after being tased and bitten by a suspected drug dealer with whom he had an altercation. It happened around 4:00 a.m., Thursday near the Quality Inn Motel on Long Creek Drive in Columbia. After being approached by the deputy for questioning, Keith Durham, took off running. The deputy chased him and the two got into a fight. Durham tried taking the deputy’s taser twice, striking the deputy once with it. He then reached for the deputy’s gun but was unable to retrieve. A third time, the suspect reached for the deputy’s taser. That’s when Grant shot Durham multiple times, killing him. Officers also found cocaine and smaller bags used for distribution in the suspect’s motel room. Deputy Grant has knee and arm injuries but will remain on active duty. Sheriff Leon Lott says upgrading to new holsters about a year and a half ago, which make it virtually impossible for anybody but a trained officer to retrieve a weapon, may have saved the deputy’s life.