Deputy killed in ambush during arrest in South Carolina
- A deputy in South Carolina was killed while attempting to arrest a suspect.
- The involved suspect was also killed during the confrontation, and another officer was injured.
- This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
In South Carolina, a tragic incident occurred involving law enforcement and a suspect wanted for multiple crimes. Deputy Devin Mason, just 27 years old, and a recently graduated officer, was engaging in an operation to arrest a suspect named Cameron Ray Dennett early in the morning of Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The operation took place near Lamar around 1:30 a.m. When Deputy Mason and his partner entered the home, they were ambushed by Dennett, who was 25 and armed, despite being prohibited from possessing firearms due to his criminal history, which included charges of criminal conspiracy, forgery, and a computer crime. The sudden attack resulted in Deputy Mason being fatally shot, while his partner sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition. This violent confrontation not only led to the loss of Deputy Mason's life but also resulted in the death of the suspect, Cameron Ray Dennett. A third individual, a 28-year-old woman with similar charges, was apprehended without injury, indicating there may have been more complexities surrounding the situation that are still being investigated. The Darlington County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Michael August, expressed deep sorrow regarding the incident. Sheriff August praised Deputy Mason's brief but impactful service, highlighting Mason's dedication and professionalism, which made him a valued member of the law enforcement community. He emphasized that even though Deputy Mason had just completed his training and had been part of the force for a short time, his contributions to serving the community were significant and will be remembered. The State Law Enforcement Division has since taken charge of the investigation to further understand the circumstances surrounding the ambush that cost Deputy Mason his life. This incident marks a sobering point in law enforcement safety, as Deputy Mason is noted to be the first police officer in South Carolina killed in the line of duty in over three years, emphasizing the risks officers face each day on duty.