Suspect involved in shooting with Florence authorities dies, coroner says

FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — The suspect who allegedly started shooting at Florence city police officers and county sheriff’s deputies Monday night during a search warrant that led to a barricade situation died in the incident, Coroner Keith von Lutcken said.

Police Capt. Stephen Starling said authorities were at a Brittany Drive address in Florence County. When they tried to serve the warrant, Matthew Paul Barry, 41, allegedly started shooting. Barry was shot and pronounced dead at the scene.

Barry was wanted in the Sunday death of Idris Chance Ali Cooper , 34, who was found dead at the scene of a shooting at Colonial Drive Apartments.

📲 Download the News13 app to stay updated on the go
📧 Sign up for WBTW email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.
💻 Find today’s top stories on WBTW.com for the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating. Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here .

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12 . See more of his work here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.