William Cogswell Jr. City of Charleston Mayor | City of Charleston SC Website
William Cogswell Jr. City of Charleston Mayor | City of Charleston SC Website
The Charleston Police Department has provided further details about an officer-involved shooting that took place yesterday morning. The incident is being investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and inquiries regarding their investigation should be directed to them.
On November 21, 2024, around 10 a.m., officers from the Charleston Police Department responded to a report of a physical altercation between two men, one reportedly armed with a handgun. Upon arrival, officers confronted the individuals involved.
During the encounter, one man pointed a firearm. In response, two officers discharged their service weapons, hitting the armed individual. Officers administered medical aid at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
No officers were injured in the incident.
The officers involved have been named as Officer Anthony Vazquez and Officer Darren Schlegel, both members of the Quick Response Squad within the Operations Bureau. Following department policy, they have been placed on paid administrative leave.
The deceased suspect has been identified as Andrew Reynard Williams, aged 37.
A bystander video showing part of the encounter is circulating online. While it may raise questions, it lacks critical context. To provide clarity on this incident, Chief Walker shared excerpts from body-worn camera footage during today's briefing. The footage stops just before the shooting out of respect for its gravity and recognition of a family's loss.
The Charleston Police Department thanked partner agencies for their assistance after the incident: College of Charleston Department of Public Safety for immediate presence and ongoing support; Charleston County Sheriff’s Office for handling calls immediately after; and North Charleston and Mount Pleasant Police Departments for offering assistance.
Chief Walker commented: “This was a situation no one wanted—neither our officers, our community, nor the family of the individual involved. Our officers faced a split-second decision in a dangerous situation, and they now carry the immense weight of that moment.”
The department remains committed to cooperating fully with SLED’s investigation.
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