MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — A Myrtle Beach police officer was fatally shot Saturday night while responding to a domestic violence call, officials said.
Update 3:01 p.m. EDT Oct. 4: The suspect involved in the shooting of Jacob Hancher is dead, WRAL reported. The suspect’s identity has not been released.
Mayor Brenda Bethune called Hancher’s death a senseless tragedy.
“Following the exchange of gunfire, the suspect was discovered deceased,” investigators said.
Another officer was injured in the shooting.
“He was killed while striving to be a peacemaker,” she wrote on social media. “There are no words to describe the depth of pain and mixed emotions that we all are feeling.”
Original report: Investigators said Jacob Hancher was shot around 10 p.m. while responding to the call, WPDE reported. Other details surrounding the shooting have not yet been released.
“He was a dedicated public servant, who upheld his oath to protect this community, and made the ultimate sacrifice,” police Chief Amy Prock said. “He cared about the people that he served, served with, and absolutely loved Myrtle Beach.”
Hancher worked four years as a community officer and one as a police officer, WMBF reported.
Hancher is the first Myrtle Beach police officer to be shot in the line of duty since 2002.