South Carolina: Deputy Lucas Watts shot

Friday evening (6:50 p.m.) update: Authorities have released the name of a man accused of shooting an Oconee County deputy following a traffic stop Thursday afternoon. Lt. Ryan Flood, with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, says Gregory Wayne Maxwell, 50, is facing five counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Carrie Miller released a statement on behalf of the shooting incident that involved Cpl. Lucas Watts, saying: “Lucas Watts was employed by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office from 2017-2020. He came in shortly after Sheriff McBride took office. We were the first agency that Lucas worked for and we were very fortunate to have a deputy like him serving Anderson County. Even though he was here for a short period of time, he still made an impact on each and every person he came in contact with. He worked hard and cared for others. We know what an asset he is to Oconee County! We are continuing to pray for him and his recovery, along with his family and friends.” Flood says investigators found that he shot Cpl. Lucas Watts and engaged in a shootout with additional deputies a short time later. According to warrants, Maxwell used a rifle. Superintendent Dr. Michael Thorsland of Oconee County School District, where Watts attended school, released a statement as well regarding Watts, saying: “We are always proud when former students return to serve their community as Corporal Watts has done. We are heartbroken about this tragedy and ask our entire community to join us in praying for a full recovery for Lucas and for his family through this tragic time.”Maxwell remains in custody at the hospital due to sustaining injuries from at least one gunshot wound from law enforcement, Flood said.Once Maxwell is discharged from the hospital, he will be formally arraigned. Dr. Mark Dougherty, the dean of students at Tri-County Technical College, where Watts earned his degree, also released a statement, saying: “Cpl. Lucas Watts is a graduate of Tri-County Technical College. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family and to the entire Oconee County Sheriff’s Office during this difficult time.”Watts still remains in the hospital. Previous coverage:Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw says Cpl. Lucas Watts, 27, tried to pull a white Chevrolet Silverado over just after 12 p.m. on South Highway 11 at Mount Pleasant Road, but the suspect sped off from the deputy. According to Crenshaw, the driver of the pickup made his way down Black Bass Road at Shelor Ferry Road, where shots were fired. Watts was shot, and the driver of the pickup drove away, according to Crenshaw. RELATED: ‘PRAY BIG OCONEE’: Oconee County Sheriff’s Department asks for prayers after deputy is shotCrenshaw says Watts was taken to the hospital, where he had surgery. On Friday, Crenshaw said Watts is stable but in critical condition. Crenshaw said Watts has served with the sheriff’s office since March of 2020. Lucas came to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for approximately 2 1/2 years. Watts is currently assigned to the P.A.C.E. (Pro-Active Community Enforcement) team and serves in our Marine Unit. “Lucas is an outstanding Deputy and professionally serves and protects the citizens of Oconee County,” Crenshaw said in a release. A fund has been set up for Watts and his family through Serve and Connect. Crenshaw says that 100% of funds donated through Serve and Connect will go to Lucas and his family.To donate, click here. “On behalf of the men and women of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, I would like to thank everyone who has prayed for Lucas, his family, our Deputies and all law enforcement at this time,” Crenshaw said. “We have been truly moved by the outpouring of support, which includes the prayer vigil that was held outside of the Law Enforcement Center last night.”“We ask for continued prayers for Lucas and his family in the days and weeks ahead. If you are able to contribute to the Serve and Connect fund to help his family, I know they would be thankful for any support,” Crenshaw said. “I also want to thank all the law enforcement and public safety agencies who have reached out to the Sheriff’s Office offering their support and those who have, and are helping us, during this difficult time. I want to also thank the paramedics and all the medical professionals who have, and continue, to provide treatment to Lucas both yesterday and today.”More on the suspect and investigationThe driver of the pickup was found on Black Bass Road later on and was shot by deputies, according to Crenshaw. There is no update on the suspect’s condition. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office has also been requested to investigate this incident due to a familial conflict, according to Lt. Ryan Flood with GCSO.Flood says agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division were not involved in this incident. For more news, weather 24 hours a day- Download the WYFF News 4 app: Apple | Google Play

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