Police: Parole officer shot and killed patient at SC mental health facility

CHESTERFIELD, S.C. — A South Carolina parole officer shot and killed a patient inside Tri-County Community Mental Health Center in Chesterfield, S.C., Monday, according to police.
 
A patient was brought to the Chesterfield clinic of the Department's Tri-County Community Mental Health Center at about 11:30 a.m. Monday by a Probation, Parole and Pardon Services agent, according to a news release from the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.

While the patient was being seen by a center psychiatrist, the agent was seated outside of the office.

Clinic staff heard the patient become loud and argumentative and the agent responded immediately.

The clinic went into lockdown by locking staff and patients behind office doors and calling 911.

Staff reported hearing several gunshots, according to the Department of Mental Health.

Law enforcement responded promptly.

The physician reported that he was physically assaulted by the patient, but he was not seriously injured.

No other staff or patients were injured.

The State Law Enforcement Division is conducting an investigation into the incident and clinic staff and patients who were present have been interviewed. 

As of Monday afternoon, the clinic is scheduled to reopen Tuesday.  Additional staff was dispatched to the clinic, including the department's director of emergency services to provide support and assistance to any clinic staff or clients who request it.

WSOC