A welfare check turned deadly Friday night, June 5, 2026, in Anderson County.
Authorities say an Anderson County Sheriff's deputy responded to Roger Drive in Pelzer after reports of a man near the road who may have needed medical attention. Investigators say 70-year-old David Milton was inside a camper and armed himself with a sword, then a hammer, and later a screwdriver during an encounter with the deputy.
Attempts were made to get Milton into an ambulance on scene, but an altercation followed with Milton armed with a screwdriver. The deputy shot him. Milton died at the scene.
The deputy was not injured and has been placed on administrative leave while the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigates.
Official news release from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division below:
Monday, Jun 8, 2026
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred on Friday, June 5, 2026, in Anderson County.
An Anderson County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to a home on Roger Drive in Pelzer, SC, for a call regarding an individual near the road, possibly needing medical attention. A deputy responded to the area and encountered a man in a camper who was later identified as David Milton, 70. During the interaction, Milton grabbed a sword, then a hammer, and then a screwdriver from inside the camper. The deputy made repeated attempts to get Milton to an ambulance on scene. During the encounter, there was an altercation where Milton was armed with the screwdriver and the deputy shot him. Milton was pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured. SLED was requested to investigate by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.
This is an ongoing investigation. As such, no other information about the case will be disclosed by SLED at this time.
SLED conducts law enforcement officer involved shooting (OIS) investigations at the request of the agency involved in the incident or the agency with jurisdiction. When requested to investigate an OIS, SLED’s goal is to conduct a thorough, independent criminal investigation as timely as is possible under the circumstances. SLED agents will conduct interviews with all potential witnesses in this matter. Further, SLED will collect all relevant evidence and will forensically test such evidence as needed. Information gathered in the SLED investigation of the incident will be summarized in a case file report to be submitted to prosecutors.
The incident in Anderson County is the 18th officer involved shooting in South Carolina in 2026.
This is the 2nd officer involved shooting for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office this year.
In 2025, there were 45 officer involved shootings in South Carolina.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office had 2 officer involved shootings last year.
