Homeowner returns fire on burglary suspects killing 1, critically injuring the other in Hampton County

HAMPTON CO., SC (WTOC) - Hampton Police are investigating a shooting incident on Locust Street W. near the Hampton County Dispatch Center.

According to the Hampton Police Department, at approximately 9:30 p.m., HPD officers responded to a shooting incident in the 100 block of Locust Street West. The preliminary investigation revealed that two suspects forced entry into the residence and opened fire on the homeowner.

Police say the homeowner, who has a concealed weapons permit, defended himself and returned fire striking both suspects.

Officials say 20-year-old Brison Simmons, of Beaufort, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second suspect, who has been identified but his name is being withheld at this time, fled the scene after being shot and stopped at the McDonald’s on US-278 for help, according to HPD. They say he was treated by Hampton County Emergency Services and later airlifted to MUSC in Charleston, SC where he is currently listed in critical condition.

The homeowner was transported to an area hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound and was later released.

A third suspect, 19-year-old Anderah Sinai McGowen has been arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.

“You shouldn’t break into places anyway, but it’s not a good idea to be breaking into somewhere right across the street from the police department,” said Laura Bryan.

Bryan says the neighborhood is normally a quiet one, but when she got there Wednesday morning to cut the grass, she saw all the yellow tape still up. Her brother also lives near where the shooting happened.

“All he said was it sounded like fireworks went off and an alarm went off, and the next thing he knew, the police were out here, and he never comes outside because he was a little scared,” she said. “You shouldn’t be breaking into homes, you shouldn’t be causing that type of disturbance. These people were just sitting in their home minding their own business, and you come in on them. Expect to get shot.”

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Crime Scene Unit was called to assist in the investigation.

Hampton Police Department officials say no shooting occurred at McDonald’s or anywhere else in town. This was all one incident that occurred at one location.

The investigation is ongoing.

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