South Carolina Police Chief Charged with Assault and Third Degree Battery by State Law Enforcement Division

SLED Charges Hampton Police Chief with Assault, 3rd Degree Battery

In a shocking revelation, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has charged Perry McAlhaney, the chief of Hampton Police, with assault and battery 3rd degree. According to a warrant released by the law enforcement division, the police chief was involved in a tumultuous confrontation that led to the charges.

Circumstances Leading to the Charges

The warrant specifies that on November 4, 2023, the victim was present on a Hampton property, from where he was conducting a hunting session from a deer stand elevated in a tree. The victim confirmed he had lawfully paid the property owner around $500 for the right to access and utilize the property. However, trouble ensued when McAlhaney arrived at the scene and accused the hunter of trespassing.

The Incident and Arrest

In a bewildering turn of events, McAlhaney retrieved a chainsaw and initiated an attempt to cut down the tree the alleged trespasser was in. Reportedly angered by the victim’s presence, McAlhaney ignored the victim’s protests, causing panic and fear for personal safety. The entire incident was captured on video by the victim, who later handed the footage over to SLED as evidence of the police chief’s assault.

Subsequently, McAlhaney was interrogated by SLED, where he provided a statement acknowledging his attempt to fell the tree while the victim was still perched in the deer stand. Confirming the course of events and the submitted video evidence, SLED charged McAlhaney with assault and battery 3rd degree.

Current Status of the Case

McAlhaney has since been booked into the Hampton County Detention Center, pending further legal actions.

Implications for Community and Police Relations

This incident has ricocheted through the community, raising concerns over police actions and their implications for community trust. As the case evolves, it undoubtedly puts the spotlight on police conduct, integrity, and how law enforcement officers should behave both on and off-duty. It underlines the responsibility law enforcement personnel bear to uphold the standard of law they swear to serve and protect.