Gunfire in Mount Pleasant! What Really Happened on Johnnie Dodds Blvd?

A quiet evening in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, turned into chaos when gunfire erupted on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard. What started as a routine police response quickly spiraled into a dramatic scene, leaving both an officer and a suspect injured.

Now, as the community processes what happened, one big question remains: Did this have to end in gunfire?

A Normal Evening Turns Violent

It all started around 5:15 p.m., when Mount Pleasant police were called to a disturbance near East Cooper Plaza. Witnesses say the suspect seemed agitated, but no one expected what came next.

When officers arrived, things escalated fast.

Eyewitnesses described a tense struggle between a man and an officer—then, suddenly, a gunshot rang out.

People in nearby shops and restaurants hit the ground or rushed for cover. Others stood frozen, staring in disbelief as flashing lights flooded the scene.

What We Know So Far

• Both the officer and the suspect were injured but are expected to survive.

• The suspect is now in custody.

• Authorities have not released his identity yet.

• Because an officer fired their weapon, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating.

Police aren’t saying much about what exactly led to the shooting, but given the circumstances, every detail will be scrutinized.

Eyewitnesses: ‘It Happened So Fast’

For those caught in the moment, it was pure chaos.

“I was just walking to my car when I heard yelling,” said one witness. “The next thing I knew, they were struggling, and then—boom. A gunshot. It didn’t feel real.”

Another bystander, who was inside a restaurant across the street, described a wave of panic.

“People ducked under tables. We didn’t know what was happening. It’s not something you expect to see in Mount Pleasant.”

Some witnesses insist the suspect didn’t appear to be armed, but official reports haven’t confirmed whether he was a threat or if officers had reason to believe he was.

What Happens Next?

With SLED now handling the investigation, here’s what’s likely to happen:

Reviewing body camera footage to determine exactly what went down.
Interviewing witnesses to compare statements.
Examining physical evidence from the scene.

The officer involved will probably be placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete—standard procedure in any officer-involved shooting.

Mount Pleasant Demands Answers

This shooting has shaken the town, raising tough questions about police tactics, use of force, and public safety.

Was the suspect really a threat?
Did the officer have other options?
Could this have been prevented?

For now, the town is left waiting for answers.