North Augusta, South Carolina — Authorities have identified the suspect and officer involved in Sunday’s tragic incident at a Sprint gas station in North Augusta that resulted in the loss of two lives. The shooting unfolded in what police describe as a chaotic and dangerous confrontation that left the community shaken and searching for answers.
According to the North Augusta Department of Public Safety (NADPS), the suspect has been identified as J’Shawn Dukes, whose prior record includes a 2023 arrest in Bulloch County, Georgia. Officers say Dukes was armed during the confrontation, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. The officer who intervened and ultimately shot the suspect has been identified as Corporal Dillon Givens, a respected member of NADPS.
Officials said the incident began when multiple calls were made to 911 reporting gunfire and possible injuries at the gas station located along Georgia Avenue. Responding officers found a tense and volatile situation in progress. Police reports indicate that Dukes was allegedly involved in a violent encounter that led to two people losing their lives before officers arrived at the scene.
When police encountered Dukes, he was reportedly still armed. Witnesses described hearing additional shots as officers ordered him to drop his weapon. Authorities said Corporal Givens discharged his service weapon in response to what was perceived as an immediate threat. Dukes was struck during the exchange and was taken into custody following the incident.
Emergency responders quickly arrived to treat all individuals involved. Despite medical efforts, the two victims were pronounced deceased at the scene. The suspect, Dukes, was treated for his injuries and later transported for further medical evaluation before being placed under police guard. The names of the victims have not yet been released pending family notification.
Police Chief John Thomas addressed the media, calling the event “a tragic and deeply unsettling situation” and commending the swift, professional response of officers on scene. He emphasized that the department’s priority was to prevent further harm and ensure public safety under extremely dangerous circumstances.
As standard procedure, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken over the investigation to provide an independent review of the officer-involved shooting. Corporal Givens has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is conducted, a routine measure in cases involving the use of deadly force.
Community members have expressed both sorrow and shock at the violence that unfolded in what is typically a calm part of town. Many gathered near the gas station in the following days, leaving flowers and messages for the lives lost and offering prayers for healing in the community.
Authorities continue to urge patience as they piece together the sequence of events leading to the deadly encounter. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and collecting forensic evidence from the scene to determine the motive behind the attack.
As North Augusta mourns, city leaders have reaffirmed their support for both the victims’ families and the responding officers. The tragedy has underscored the unpredictable nature of violence and the bravery of first responders who risk their lives to protect others. The investigation remains ongoing as the community seeks both answers and healing after Sunday’s devastating events.