Officials with the Dorchester County Coroner’s Office said it happened on Father’s Day at the Pine Forest Country Club in Summerville.

The coroner’s office said an autopsy has not yet been scheduled.

Details about the drowning are limited. Count on 2 for updates.

Dorchester County leaders say the grant will be allocated to purchasing weather stations to help strengthen the county’s monitoring infrastructure.

The goal is to provide stronger real-time weather data and protect citizens from potential severe weather impacts. Stations will collect temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, and other meteorological metrics, according to the county.

"Dorchester County is grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for their investment in our community's resilience and safety," said Dorchester County Council Chairman Todd Friddle. "These weather stations will play a vital role in enhancing our emergency preparedness capabilities, enabling us to proactively respond to potential weather-related challenges and safeguard our residents."

Representatives from the Duke Energy Foundation will present the check to the Dorchester County Emergency Management Director Thomas McNeal and County Council Chairman Todd Friddle on Tuesday, June 20^th.

According to DCSO, deputies responded to reports of a shooting on Dorchester Manor Boulevard around 4:15 p.m. and found a male victim lying in the driveway suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

The victim -- identified as 21-year-old Thomas Anthony Carter -- was taken to the hospital where he later died, Dorchester County Coroner Paul Brothers said.

The shooting remains under investigation. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to call DCSO at 843-873-5111.

According to DCSO, one person was injured.

The extent of the victim's injuries is unknown.

DCSO said that no one is in custody as of 4:45 p.m.

Editor's note: This story is breaking and will be updated.

April Howard, the Director of Shelter Operations, said reaching maximum capacity has been a problem all year. However, she said they have been really feeling the pressure to get the dogs into homes in the last two weeks.

“We cannot continue to save the lives of these animals if the community doesn’t step up and be the support that the shelter needs to get the animals out,” said Howard.

Howard is encouraging community members to adopt and foster dogs. If that is not an option for some, she said they are also looking for volunteers at the shelter.

Dorchester Paws only has 75 long-term dog runs, but over 100 animals currently living on campus. They’ve tried to halt the intake process, but Howard said it’s nearly impossible because they are the only shelter in the county.

Now, they are have to resort to housing animals in pop-up crates wherever they can find room.

“We know we’re really in emergency mode when we have to start using the word ‘pop-up.’ So, we have the metal wire crates that we pop up in every available area of the kennel,” Howard told News 2.

Dorchester Paws is open everyday from 12-5 pm. Adoption fees on all adult dogs are waived Thursday-Sunday this week.

The incident happened at 1940 Old Trolley Road. Witnesses saw the suspect, described as a Black man wearing black clothing and a ski mask, running down the road after the robbery.

Officers searched the surrounding areas, but the suspect was never located.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has been working with the Summerville Police Department to identify and capture the suspect.

A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.

Dorchester County Government is looking to fill positions with in the county's Water and Sewer, Stormwater Division, Detention Center, and Road Maintenance Division Departments.

Candidates are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and any relevant certifications or documentation.

This event is happening from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Dorchester County Water and Sewer located at 235 Deming Way in Summerville.

"Over the past couple of years, we’ve taken a big initiative to refurbish some of our stations [and] upgraded apparatus throughout the county," said Dorchester County Fire and Rescue (DCFR) Chief Tres Atkinson.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the department is working to recruit more personnel. DCFR needs volunteer firefighters and volunteers to serve in support roles.

"We’re always looking for people to come in and help and be volunteers. We have several different tiers of our volunteers. We have support members, we have active certified firefighters, we have a job for everybody," Atkinson said.

There are several perks to the job, including tax breaks and stipends. Department-provided training is another benefit, which often leads volunteers to pursue careers as firefighters.

For more information on how to apply, click here.

According to DCSO, Mariyah Ezell was shot multiple times on Timothy Lane.

Four people have been arrested so far, including Drayton Tarvarus Smalls (18) of Summerville, Sabin Alexander Buck (19) of North Charleston, Bailey Maria Taylor (17) of North Charleston, and a 16-year-old juvenile from Summerville.

According to an affidavit for Smalls, the murder was planned.

The group "drove to Timothy Lane where [Smalls and one other person] exited the car with the victim and shot her several times."

Surveillance video captured the car arriving to and leaving the area.

DCSO said that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are possible.

The incident happened at 10150 Dorchester Road. The target initially appeared to be a nail salon, but SPD later said that the victim was a mail carrier that was near the nail salon.

No one was injured in the robbery.

Old Trolley Road was blocked to Travelers Boulevard and a perimeter is set up in the area as of for hours.

Several agencies responded.

Law enforcement said the suspect is an armed Black man in a ski mask and black hat.

He was reportedly seen running down Old Trolley Road after the robbery.

The man had not been located and officers cleared the scene shortly before 8:30 p.m.

Anyone with information should contact SPD at (843) 875-1650

Editor's note: This story is breaking and will be updated.

According to DCSO, several people have reported getting a call from someone claiming to be Captain Hill with DCSO. The caller then tells people there are warrants out for their arrest, but they can pay a fee to get the warrants waived.

DCSO says that "there is absolutely no truth to what this person is telling folks." DCSO will not call to advise people of warrants.

The scammer is calling from the number (843) 419-7495 or spoofing the DCSO main number, which is (843) 832-0300.

Anyone that gets the call is asked to report it to DCSO at (843) 832-0300 or (843) 873-5111.

“Prior to Monday night, in the emergency medical services department, to operate a vehicle during an emergency response you had to be at least 21 years of age,” said Mario Formisano, Deputy County Administrator for Public Safety.

Bringing the minimum age down from 21 to 18 will match the minimum age requirements in Berkeley and Charleston counties. They are making the change to be more competitive in finding employees.

“Just like any other EMS department in the state or in the country, we want to remain competitive within the market. So certainly, this is going to allow us to remain competitive with our neighboring counties.”

The county also just started a brand new training program.

“We have an EMT recruit school pilot program right now, where for the first time ever, we are conducting the EMT basic certification course in-house- that’s in partnership with Trident Technical College.”

The county also raised salaries this year across the board to find people. They currently have 26 full or part-time EMS positions open.

“We have been implementing some creative solutions and staffing to ensure that we are providing adequate coverage throughout the county 24/7,” he said.

For a list of current jobs in Dorchester County’s EMS department, please click here.

Dorchester District 2 Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins reflected on the past year, which was his first as the district’s leader, including both the successes and challenges the district faced in 2022-23.

“Finally, a year of normal operations, not without challenges. But we feel like academically, our students are excelling and doing really good things,” he said.

The district is now looking back at COVID-19 and how it altered things day-to-day.

“Those kids who graduated this year didn’t have a normal year of high school, really, until this year because the spring of their freshman year we were in the pandemic,” Dr. Robbins said.

He says the district saw several accomplishments this year.

“I think we are very proud of the national merit finalists that we had in the district. We just recently had one of our students named a Jefferson Award winner. We had a state championship softball team, a state championship soccer team, you know, that list goes on and on,” he said.

But there were a number of challenges as well, including multiple incidents with students carrying armed guns on school campuses.

“Safety is always number one, and so that has been a challenge for us. I don’t think it’s because we’re doing anything different. I think it means we have to do things differently to make sure we’re safeguarding our students. So, we’re going to really work hard with our law enforcement partners.”

Moving forward, they have to prepare for what they are estimating to be up to 16,000 new students over the next 10 years as Dorchester County grows.

“I’ll say I’m excited and concerned- both with the ability to recruit and retain teachers and staff,” said Dr. Robbins.

“I think the biggest thing for student achievement is, it’s always about engagement. One of the things we utilize, our digital ecosystem and our technology for, is to not replace teachers, but to help engage students in the learning process.”

Dr. Robbins believes technology will continue to play a greater role in helping to educate students in the future.

Dorchester County Emergency Management is partnering with Coastal Coffee Roasters for a new roasted caffeinated beverage called Storm Surge Coffee.

Thomas McNeal, director of Dorchester County Emergency Management, said the new coffee comes with a QR code that links directly to South Carolina’s “Know Your Zone” page with vital information regarding evacuations.

The new coffee with the hurricane label will be for sale at Coastal Coffee Roasters after it debuts during the county’s Hurricane Preparedness Expo at Ashley River Park on Saturday.

“A couple of years ago, we had like 12 inches of water in our entire building. Because we were able to plan for that and keep everything up off the floor, we didn’t lose any product,” recalled Richard Mallett, director of coffee for Coastal Coffee Roasters.

It’s one reason why they wanted to partner with Dorchester County for the new brew.

“The coffee is a medium roast; it’s a central and South American coffee and also an African coffee,” he said. “So, it’s got a really well-rounded body to it, but also a little but more fruity character to it.”

With more and more people moving to the Lowcountry each year, new residents need important information to help them stay safe if a hurricane heads toward our coast.

“The tri-county, and specifically Dorchester County, we had a huge influx of development which brings in new people. A lot of them have never lived in hurricane country at all. Especially not in the Lowcountry, so this is a great way for us to spread to work the word to them about hurricane preparedness,” said McNeal.

Tradesman Brewing Company previously released a hurricane themed “Know Your Zone” beer.

Dorchester County’s Hurricane Preparedness Expo will take place at Ashley River Park on Saturday, June 3 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Both the coffee and beer will be on display during that expo.

Between June 2 and June 4, customers can get 40 cents off per gallon at the Sawmill Village Fuel Center located at 604 Bacons Bridge Road. This offer will only be valid for customers using a VIC card.

Normal hours for the fuel center will be 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., but the center's five gas pumps will be open 24 hours.

Shoppers will be able to save 3 cents per gallon every day when they use a VIC card at the new fuel center.

"At each of its Fuel Centers, Harris Teeter strives to provide customers an excellent experience through high-quality products and great customer service," a news release states.

Harris Teeter operates more than 60 fuel centers across the country in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

To find out how you can save on gas at Harris Teeter fuel centers and BP gas stations year-round, click here.

The expo will feature interactive exhibits and emergency services demonstrations. The goal is to equip residents with essential knowledge and resources to stay safe during a hurricane or other natural disasters.

“This is an excellent opportunity for both new and longtime residents to engage with local emergency management officials, learn about emergency supplies, and understand the steps necessary to protect their families and property,” the county said of its upcoming expo.

Food trucks and activities for children of various ages will be on hand during the event.

The 10^th annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo will take place at Ashley River Park on Saturday, June 3 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Admission to the park costs $2 per person three and older, or free if you have a Dorchester County Park Annual Pass.

Dorchester County's Emergency Management Department and Coastal Coffee Roasters will debut a new medium roast coffee called “Storm Surge,” which will be available during the expo. Tradesman Brewing Company will present its hurricane-themed "Know Your Zone" beer.

The event at Davis-Bailey Park included the Posting of the Colors by the Honor Guard of the 628th Force Support Squadron of Joint Base Charleston and a wreath-laying in honor of fallen service members and those missing in action.

The ceremony also featured a keynote address given by Summer resident, Dr. Tom Riddick, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Captain who served for over twenty years.

Organizers said establishing a monument to honor fallen soldiers in Dorchester County was a priority for councilmembers.

"It's important because I don't want people to forget," Councilwoman Harriet Holman said. "Now, every time someone comes to the park, they can read the inscriptions on this wonderful monument that tells us not to forget those fallen ones, not to forget the ones that sacrificed and gave it all for their country."

A local World War II and Korean War veteran, Dan Poling, was also in attendance at Monday's ceremony.

According to Chief Bryan Ducey with Dorchester County Fire, crews responded to reports of a house fire in the Bluffs at the Ashley River around 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

The Dorchester County Fire says this home could've been a total loss if it wasn't for the help of neighbors.

The fire started in the backyard and spread quickly inside the house.

Neighbor Tara Staup said she saw a large cloud of smoke coming from the house. Her husband Andrew went to the house and started spraying water on the flames.

"A single mom lives there," Tara told News 2.

Two occupants and their pets were able to get out safely.

"It could've been so much worse if they wouldn't have thought to grab those fire hoses or start putting water on it before they came.....this is the people you want around you," Tara Staup said.

The shooting happened off Central Avenue, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Summerville PD was “called to a man on Central near Corey Gardens, on the roadside, with a gun, and a gunshot wound,” said Deputy Chief of Police John O’Meara.

One person rendered aid to one of the individuals and notified police. All three are being treated at a local hospitals.

Police say one person has been arrested in connection with the shooting.

No other details were provided. Keep checking counton2.com for updates.

--

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Dorchester County leaders say its 911 lines are currently down.

Crews are working to resolve the issue and restore full service.

The county has established an alternative number that can be used in the event of an emergency. That number is 843-970-2782.

“Please do NOT call the alternative number unless it is a true emergency,” the county stressed.

According to SPD, officers responded to the complex at 600 Martins Creek Boulevard around 6:30 a.m. after a shooting was reported.

Responding officers found the victim walking in front of the apartment complex. The report states that the victim appeared to be out of breath and told officers that he was walking his dog when the suspect emerged from behind a nearby building and began shooting at him.

The victim said that he ran and took cover behind cars and the suspect chased after him.

Officers found four shell casings from two separate weapons and 14 rounds on the ground outside the apartment complex. They also noted four cars were damaged by gunfire and one building was struck by gunfire. No injuries were reported.

The victim said that the suspect was a neighbor and that the altercation stemmed from the suspect "disrespecting his family."

No arrests have been made as of Thursday afternoon, but SPD said that there is no threat to the public.

In October 2020, Justin Michael Beauvais accepted a job in South Carolina while on leave from a subcontractor position at the Naval Information Warfare Center at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina.

Officials said Beauvais asked coworkers at McMurdo Station to reformat his personal hard drive and mail it to his home in Summerville that same month.

A few days later, a coworker located Beauvais' hard drive and videos that depicted a nude prepubescent girl. The content was reported to superiors who confirmed that there was child pornography on the hard drive, according to a news release.

The release states that Beauvais initially denied the allegations during an interview with Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agents, but later admitted that he had copied child pornography from his personal device in S.C. to the hard drive which he took with him to Antarctica.

A subsequent search of Beauvais' residence and electronic devices revealed thousands of pornographic images of children, including minors and toddlers, prosecutors said.

Beauvais was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision. He was also ordered to pay $51,500 in restitution to the victims.

Residents like Jerry Igou said he loves the little town of Dorchester. “Been living here 72 years,” he said.

“It’s just a nice little town. People [are] pretty friendly, you know. We got a few people that’s a little rowdy around here, but most of the time they are pretty good people --- it’s just a small town, nobody aggravates you,” Igou added.

One of the few problems is the increasing traffic – and often dangerous driving that comes with roads near the small town.

“We have a lot of traffic issues with these mostly kids from the school down here, the career center down here,” he said. “They got all these loud mufflers on their trucks and cars and a jacked up in the front.”

He said sometimes they come through at about 100 mph. And then there are the larger trucks.

“We got 10-12 of these land, not landfill, but sand pits around here and these trucks are on the road and they’re running a lot faster than they should,” he said.

More people are driving faster due to more people living in the area.

“We called the law a few times on them. We don’t get no answers from it.”

After hearing from several people who live in northern Dorchester County, the law showed up in a big way.

“We are moving from place to place and set up checkpoints. We’ve got South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina State Transport Police, and also our code enforcement,” said Lt. Rick Carson with the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office of Tuesday’s operation.

Lt. Carson said they’ve also been dealing with debris coming from trucks on the roads.

Between 14 and 20 officers took part in the county’s zero-tolerance initiative.

Igou said he was glad to see that but he's still worried about what might happen if people keep driving recklessly.

“We keep our grandchildren out of the road, but I mean, I’m just scared somebody’s gonna get hurt or they gonna hurt their self.”

While Tuesday’s initiative ended at 4 o’clock, the sheriff’s office said they will continue to do their standard enforcement of traffic laws into the future.

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office will partner with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, SC State Transport Police, and the county’s Code Enforcement Litter Control officers for selective enforcement in the upper portion of the county on Tuesday morning through the late afternoon.

Lt. Rick Carson said there will be license and equipment checkpoints from the town of Dorchester all the way to both the Orangeburg and Colleton County lines.

“The purpose of this initiative is to reduce the number of complaints, and ultimately provide a safer environment to residents and visitors of Dorchester County,” he said.

According to Lt. Carson, the sheriff’s office has fielded multiple complaints in the town of Dorchester over the past year. Special emphasis will be given to the following areas: Zion Road, Sandridge Road, Railway Drive, Horseford Road, Sandhill Road, and Wire Road. Special emphasis will be given to these areas.

“Complaints such as speed, aggressive driving, improper lane usage, and other moving and non-moving violations from passenger and commercial vehicle alike are common,” said Lt. Carson.

The enforcement will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

--

Editor’s Note: We often receive comments from people asking why we publicize traffic checkpoints, and the answer is straightforward. Law enforcement agencies are required by law to announce checkpoints by both date and location.

To help reduce offenders, authorities hope to discourage those actions by letting the public know officers will be out there. Research does show there has been a greater reduction in incidents related to drinking and driving after announcing traffic checkpoints.

The driver of a Hyundai sedan was traveling west on Dorchester Road around 9:37 a.m. before veering off the road and hitting a concrete wall, according to Master Trooper Ridgeway with SCHP.

The crash happened near Brandywine Drive, three miles east of Summerville.

The victim was later pronounced dead at Summerville Medical.

Their identity will be released by the Dorchester County Coroner when appropriate.

Trooper investigating the crash.