By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- North Charleston Police Department officers responded to a permitted block party July 4 around 8:30 p.m. in the Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood after reports of fireworks being fired toward passing vehicles and later learned that attendees were firing guns.
- Officers ordered the gathering dispersed, but multiple fights broke out despite repeated announcements to leave, resulting in assaults on two female officers who sustained minor injuries.
- Video posted online shows one officer pulled to the ground and struck by multiple individuals before a second officer deployed a stun gun and restrained assailants.
- Four people—one adult and three juveniles—have been arrested in connection with assaults captured on video; authorities indicated additional arrests remain possible.
- Police recovered four handguns, magazines, and a makeshift spear from the scene; investigators are determining whether any firearms were discharged and whether the spear was used in assaults.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — North Charleston Police Department personnel responded to a permitted Fourth of July block party that escalated into violence, resulting in assaults on officers and multiple arrests.
Officers arrived at the Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood block party around 8:30 p.m. after receiving reports that fireworks were being fired toward passing vehicles. Upon arrival, officers learned that several event attendees had allegedly begun firing firearms, prompting police to declare the gathering over and order attendees to disperse.
Despite repeated announcements for people to leave, several fights broke out. Officers exited their patrol vehicles to separate those involved and restore order, but multiple officers were assaulted during the response. Two female officers sustained minor injuries during the disturbance.
Bystander video posted online documented one encounter in which an officer was pulled to the ground by multiple individuals who struck her before a second officer deployed a stun gun on one assailant and restrained others, allowing the officer on the ground to regain her footing.
The North Charleston Police Department stated that assaults on law enforcement would not be tolerated and that those responsible would face prosecution. Four individuals—one adult and three juveniles—have been arrested in connection with the assaults captured on video. Charges are still being finalized, and authorities indicated additional arrests remain possible as investigators continue reviewing evidence.
Police recovered four handguns, magazines, and a makeshift spear from the scene. Investigators are still determining whether any of the recovered firearms were discharged during the incident and whether the spear was used in any of the assaults. No civilians reported injuries during the disturbance.
Detectives continue investigating the reported gunfire, assaults, and other criminal activity connected to the incident. The North Charleston Police Department’s CRIMEWATCH system is accepting tips from anyone with information related to the July 4 block party disturbance.