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FIRST ON FOX: The man accused of shooting a South Carolina deputy in the chest during an early morning traffic stop has been identified as a deported illegal alien and a criminal re-entrant, according to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
DHS officials told Fox News Digital that Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a call of shots fired shortly after 9 p.m. on Feb. 10 at Johns Island.
They could not find the suspect, who was eventually identified as Floriberto Perez-Nieto, a criminal from Mexico.
Around 3 a.m. the next morning, deputies received another call from the same person, who reported that Perez-Nieto was back in the area.
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Floriberto Perez-Nieto was killed after allegedly shooting a South Carolina Deputy. (US Department of Homeland Security)
Deputies saw Perez-Nieto’s car and tried to pull him over, but he tried to evade arrest and shot one of the deputies in the chest, according to authorities.
Other deputies returned fire and Perez-Nieto was pronounced dead at the hospital.
DHS officials said the deputy who was shot in the chest was wearing body armor.
Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie speaks during a news conference. (Charleston County Sheriff’s Office via X)
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“This illegal criminal illegally obtained a firearm and nearly killed a law enforcement officer,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital. “We are thankful that the officer’s weapons saved his life. It could have had a very different outcome for this officer and his family.”
The deputy who was shot has not been identified by authorities.
Perez-Nieto was arrested after illegally entering the US from Mexico, on an unknown date and location, and without being checked by an immigration official, according to DHS.
It is unclear when Floriberto Perez-Nieto illegally crossed the US border. (Christian Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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After that he was removed from the US in Feb. 20, 2019.
Officials said he committed a crime by re-entering the country illegally on an unknown date and time.
It is not clear where Perez-Nieto got the gun.
CCSO’s professional standards unit will conduct an internal investigation related to the shooting.
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The deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, pending further review, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was immediately notified, responded to the scene and will lead the investigation.
