Ex-SC police chief to use ‘stand your ground’

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) — Eutawville’s former police chief is hoping to argue a “stand your ground” defense in the shooting death of a man more than three years ago.

Local media outlets report that attorneys for Richard Combs said during a hearing Tuesday that the former chief should be immune from prosecution.

Combs is awaiting trial on a charge of misconduct in office for using excessive force against 54-year-old Bernard Bailey. Investigators say the former chief shot the man after a May 2011 confrontation over a warrant for Bailey’s arrest.

Combs faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. In April, Bailey’s family of agreed to a $400,000 settlement. A judge will decide later if the former chief can use the “stand your ground” defense.