In a case that has drawn attention to law enforcement practices in South Carolina, a former deputy from Florence County faces serious charges stemming from a tragic incident that occurred on May 26, 2023. Treyvon Jonathan Sellers, 29, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter and assault for his actions during a pursuit that ended in fatality and injury.
The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), South Carolina's premier law enforcement agency, arrested Sellers on August 16, 2023. The charges relate to the fatal shooting of William Dwayne Rankin, 43, and the mauling of an innocent homeowner by Sellers' police dog.
According to SLED's sworn statement, the incident unfolded when Sellers pursued Rankin, who crashed into a tree and sought refuge in a nearby residence. Sellers entered the home without announcing his presence, accompanied by his unleashed K-9 unit. In a series of questionable decisions, Sellers ordered the dog to attack without verifying the occupants' identities.
The consequences were severe:
- The homeowner, uninvolved in the chase, suffered a vicious attack by the police dog.
- Rankin, unarmed and lying on a couch, was shot five times by Sellers.
- The dog continued its assault on the homeowner for over a minute, resulting in permanent injuries to the victim's left arm and shoulder.
The charges against Sellers are significant. Voluntary manslaughter, defined in South Carolina as the unlawful killing of another without malice in the heat of passion, carries a potential sentence of 2 to 30 years. Additionally, the assault charge related to the dog attack could result in up to 20 years of imprisonment if Sellers is convicted.
This case has raised important questions about police training and accountability. The Florence County Sheriff's Office, established in 1800, employed Sellers for less than two years before his termination in July 2023, following an unrelated domestic violence arrest. South Carolina law mandates that law enforcement officers complete basic training within one year of their hire date, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation for such critical roles.
The incident has also sparked discussions about the use of police K-9 units, which have been part of law enforcement since the late 19th century. These units typically undergo extensive training to ensure proper control and command response, making the failure to control the dog in this case particularly concerning.
As Florence County, with its population of approximately 137,000 as of 2021, grapples with the aftermath of this event, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing national conversation about police use of force and the need for accountability in law enforcement.
"The use of excessive force by law enforcement officers is a violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. We are committed to thoroughly investigating such incidents to ensure justice and maintain public trust."
As of August 21, 2024, the case continues to unfold, with Sellers awaiting further legal proceedings. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper training, decision-making, and accountability in law enforcement to protect both officers and the communities they serve.