Deputies Cleared in July Shooting

SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO) — Two Sumter County Sheriff‘s deputies involved in a shooting during a Dalzell-area domestic disturbance in July have been found to have acted appropriately by a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigation. After reviewing the SLED report, Third Circuit Solicitor Ernest A. “Chip” Finney III determined that Cpl. Symeon Graham and Sen. Dep. Desmond Sabb would not face any criminal charges. “We find that both Sumter County Deputies involved with the shooting acted reasonably when faced with violent and unprovoked action by the subject,” Finney said in a letter to SLED investigators filing the report. Both officers have returned to full duty officials say. On July 18, the deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of Colts Run in the Dalzell. Upon arrival, the officers spoke with the alleged suspect, 39-year-old Michael Deshawn Dinkins, who became physically aggressive with the deputies outside the residence officials say. At some point the struggle, officials say the suspect attempted to take one deputy‘s holstered service weapon. Both deputies fired on the suspect. Dinkins has been charged with 1st degree assault and battery, two counts of exposure of private parts in a lewd and lascivious manner and two counts of resisting arrest with a deadly weapon. He has been released from hospital care and received a $16,000 bond for the charges.