Local
Aiken County deputy remains hospitalized after shooting; suspect arrested in Jacksonville
Morris Dorch, 39, was arrested Friday in Jacksonville, Florida, two days after authorities say he shot Aiken County Deputy Preston Metts during a traffic stop. Metts was hospitalized with serious injuries, and South Carolina investigators say the case remains active.
An Aiken County sheriff’s deputy was hospitalized with serious injuries after being shot multiple times during a traffic stop Wednesday, and the man accused of shooting him was arrested Friday in Jacksonville, Florida, authorities said.
Morris Dorch, 39, faces charges of attempted murder, possessing a weapon during a violent crime and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said he had a gunshot wound to his foot when he was taken into custody, more than 200 miles from the scene.
The shooting occurred on Shiloh Heights Road near Pipeline Road in Aiken, according to investigators. A deputy had stopped a vehicle when Dorch, a passenger, got out with a gun and ran, authorities said. The deputy pursued him on foot as the driver left. During the chase, Dorch allegedly fired at the deputy multiple times; the deputy returned fire, and Dorch escaped. Investigators later recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office identified the injured deputy as Preston Metts. He remained hospitalized Friday, according to SLED.
The vehicle’s driver, 32-year-old Teondra Coleman, was charged with failure to report a felony on Thursday and with failure to stop for law enforcement on Friday. She was booked into the Aiken County Detention Center.
Leviel Priester, 41, was also charged Friday with accessory after the fact to a felony. Authorities allege he helped Dorch after the shooting. He was booked into the same detention center.
SLED is investigating at the sheriff’s office’s request. The investigation is ongoing.