Suspect killed in EPD shooting

EASLEY — A suspect was shot and killed by local law enforcement after threatening to harm the manager of the Tractor Supply Company store, according to officials at the Easley Police Department and the Pickens County Coroner’s office.

Easley police said they were called close to 10:50 a.m. on Monday about a person threatening physical harm to a manager at Tractor Supply Company on Rolling Hills Circle.

Police said the threats were made after the person was confronted for trying to steal merchandise.

While responding to the scene, officers received information the suspect had moved to another location on Rollings Hills Circle.

They said at that second location, the suspect had a gas can and was threatening to pour gasoline on someone’s vehicle.

Officers said they responded, found the suspect and tried to de-escalate the situation.

During the incident, at least one officer fired their duty weapon.

The Pickens County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that a death investigation was underway at this location. As of press time, the suspect’s identity had not been released.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating.