Frederick “Fred” Hopkins, a Vietnam veteran, has been arrested for the deadly shooting that occurred in Florence, South Carolina earlier this week.
The 74-years-old man, who also goes by the name of Frederick Hopkins, opened gunfire at several police officers and killed one — Terrence Carraway.
On October 3rd, Hopkins took part in a massive shootout with officers from two agencies.
The disbarred lawyer seriously injured seven law enforcers during the disturbing incident that took place in Vintage Place, an upscale neighborhood located in the western part of the city.
Fred Hopkins pulled out his weapon on the authorities as they attempted to serve a search warrant to a person residing in his home.
27-year-old Seth Hopkins has been accused of sexually assaulting a foster child.
According to witnesses, who spoke to the media, Hopkins barricaded himself in his home with several children inside where hundreds of gunshots were exchanged between himself and the police officers.
Hopkins, a skilled shooter, was perched like a sniper and was able to injure three of the sheriff’s deputies who delivered the warrant.
The disabled Vietnam veteran continued to spray bullets across his front yard and hit four other Florence police officers who came as backup.
The two-hour standoff ended when Hopkins released the children as he was taken into custody. Several local figures along with President Donald Trump reacted to the deadly shooting.
Carraway, 52, was recently honored for his 30th year of service with the Florence Police Department.
Carraway’s chief, Allen Heidler, praised the fallen officer in a message that read: “I want you to pray for the family who has lost the bravest police officer I have ever known.”
Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone took part in a news conference where he gave more details about the fatal shooting: “Officers went there unknowing the kind of firepower the suspect had.Fire was being shot all over. The way this suspect was positioned, his view of fire was several hundred yards. So he had the advantage. The officers couldn’t get to the other who were down.”
As for Mr. Trump and Gov. Henry McMaster, they tweeted their “thoughts and prayers,” to the those affected by the sad events.
