Articles and News

Charleston, SC--An attempted jewelry store robbery at Northwoods Mall in North Charleston was stopped on Tuesday, June 10, when an off-duty sheriff's deputy tackled the fleeing suspect, according to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office.

[Image via Charleston County Sheriff's Office/Facebook]

The incident occurred when Master Deputy Alexander McKinnon, who also serves as a school resource officer for Mount Zion Elementary School, was shopping at REEDS Jewelers. According to the report released by the sheriff's office, a man entered a nearby store, Great American Jewelry, and asked to see the merchandise. He then grabbed the jewelry and fled.

McKinnon, upon learning what had happened, pursued the suspect through the mall and identified himself as a deputy sheriff during the chase. The suspect reportedly responded by threatening McKinnon, stating he would have a "friend come to the location and shoot him."

Despite the threat, McKinnon tackled the individual and detained him until an officer from the North Charleston Police Department arrived and took the suspect into custody.

Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie commended McKinnon's actions, stating in the release: "McKinnon's actions embody all that the Charleston County Sheriff's Office stands for. As law enforcement professionals, we have the responsibility to serve and protect our community, whether we are in uniform or not."

Per the report, McKinnon is currently assigned to the Charleston County School District. 

Learn more in this announcement by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office on Facebook.