Lee County, South Carolina – Alston Modlin, the suspect in an officer-involved shooting in McBee, South Carolina, has died following a confrontation with law enforcement officers in Lee County. The tragic events unfolded after Modlin allegedly shot a McBee police officer during a traffic stop on Thursday night, prompting a statewide manhunt.
Authorities swiftly activated a Blue Alert, notifying the public about the situation and the search for Modlin, who was considered armed and dangerous. The pursuit culminated near Una Road in Lee County early Friday morning, where Modlin was killed in a shootout with law enforcement. The Lee County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death.
During the shootout, a deputy from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources were wounded. Tragically, a K-9 unit named Mikka, trapped in a patrol vehicle that caught fire after being shot at, also lost its life. The Horry County Police Department expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting the bond between K-9 officers and their handlers.
Lee County Sheriff Daniel Simon extended his gratitude for the outpouring of support from state agencies and the community. "There’s been so much community support from near and far, and each person and agency that has reached out to check on us and offered their prayers is appreciated," Sheriff Simon said. He also emphasized the challenges faced by smaller agencies during such crises.
The investigation into the incident, led by the Horry County Police Department, is ongoing as authorities work to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the shootout. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is also investigating the original shooting in Chesterfield County.
The loss of K-9 Mikka has deeply affected the community and the law enforcement family. Several Facebook users shared their thoughts and condolences online.
Protecting K9 Heroes posted, "An absolute tragedy and death of a K9 officer after the vehicle they were in was shot up, caught fire, and the K9 sadly died. Our hearts are broken and we grieve with the handler and this department."
The support from the public and other law enforcement agencies underscores the strong bonds within the community and the collective commitment to justice and safety. Further updates from the Horry County Police Department are expected as the investigation continues.