In a tragic incident occurring early Tuesday, January 3, 2023, in Lamar, South Carolina, Deputy Devin Mason was shot and killed during an ambush while attempting to arrest a suspect at a home. Alongside Mason, a second officer was injured during the confrontation, according to reports from the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting unfolded around 1:30 a.m. as Deputy Mason and the unnamed second officer were executing an arrest warrant. The nature of the ambush, details of which have not been fully disclosed, led to a chaotic and deadly exchange of gunfire, resulting in the death of both Deputy Mason and the suspect involved.
The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Cameron Ray Dennett, was also killed in the exchange. Prior to the incident, Dennett was wanted on multiple charges including criminal conspiracy, forgery, and a computer crime. Notably, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm, raising concerns about the legal circumstances surrounding his actions.
In addition to Deputy Mason’s fatal injury, the second officer, who has not yet been named publicly, was reported to be in stable condition at a local hospital. The situation escalated quickly, leading to injuries and the untimely death of Deputy Mason just three months after he graduated from South Carolina’s criminal justice academy. Recently completing his field training last week, Mason was regarded for his commitment to law enforcement and his dedication to serving the community.
Darlington County Sheriff Michael August expressed profound sorrow over the incident, praising Deputy Mason's brief yet impactful career. He described Mason as a professional who served the residents of Darlington County “with heart and honor,” and emphasized that while Mason’s time was tragically cut short, his contributions to the community would be remembered.
This incident marks a significant and somber moment for law enforcement in South Carolina, as Deputy Mason is noted to be the first police officer in the state to be shot and killed in the line of duty in over three years. The magnitude of this loss has reverberated throughout the local community and the law enforcement community at large, prompting discussions about officer safety and the risks they face while serving the public.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has launched an investigation to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including examining the chain of events that led to the ambush. A 28-year-old woman, who was in the vicinity and facing similar legal troubles as Dennett, was taken into custody but reported to be unharmed.
This incident has sparked a conversation about the dangers faced by police officers and the challenges that law enforcement personnel encounter in high-risk environments while carrying out their duties. As the investigation continues, communities and fellow officers mourn the loss of Deputy Mason, recognizing the ultimate sacrifice he made in the line of duty.
