SLED charges suspect in North Charleston officer-involved shooting
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The suspect police say attempted to flee a Walmart when he was shot by a North Charleston Police officer is now facing charges for his alleged role in the incident.
The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division has charged David Juan Bryant, 47, of Dorchester County with possession of a weapon by a convicted violent felon, first offense, and pointing and presenting a weapon at someone.
Bryant was arrested Wednesday, SLED agents say.
Both charges stem from him allegedly pointing a 9mm handgun at a North Charleston Police officer.
Agents say an off-duty North Charleston Police officer was working as security at the Walmart on Rivers Avenue, lawfully wearing a North Charleston Police Department issued uniform, when they were alerted by employees of a customer attempting a fraudulent return. The customer, a man, now identified as Bryant, was suspected of being a shoplifter.
That was around 7 p.m., North Charleston Police say.
Store staff requested that Bryant be placed on trespass notice and removed from the premises, police say.
While the officer was speaking with staff, Bryant reportedly attempted to flee the store. The officer then chased the Bryant, who is said to have left through an emergency door.
Agents say that, during the chase, Bryant pulled out a gun. In response, the officer then shot him.
Backup units from the North Charleston Police Department responded, securing the scene and helping Bryant with his injuries.
Officers rendered medical aid, and Bryant was taken to an area hospital for treatment. He remained hospitalized for several days.
Bryant has since been booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center. A mugshot of him was not immediately available.
The officer involved was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation’s outcome.
SLED says this was the 32nd officer-involved shooting of 2025 in South Carolina and the second officer-involved shooting so far this year for the North Charleston Police Department.
There were a total of 45 officer-involved shootings in South Carolina during 2024, five of which involved North Charleston Police.
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