During a routine security sweep at a Greenville apartment construction site, deputies with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office were ambushed by gunfire from the on-site nightwatchman. Despite arriving in clearly marked vehicles, wearing full uniforms, and using flashlights to announce their presence, the deputies were fired upon without warning.
The nightwatchman had been hired by the construction companies overseeing the project despite having no background in security services, no formal training, and limited English fluency. He struck one deputy in the leg and attempted to run over others with his vehicle while continuing to fire.
He was ultimately apprehended by responding officers after attempting to discard his weapon. The injured deputies were rushed to the hospital, and the case now involves a $1 million premises liability claim against the construction companies responsible for the negligent hiring and supervision of the nightwatchman.