10-25-19
Sheriff Rick Clark has returned Sergeant Robert Porter and Deputy Matt McGaha to full active duty effective immediately following his review of the agency’s internal investigation. The investigation stems from the officer involved shooting that occurred at 278 Nursery Road in Easley on Saturday, October 19, 2019.
Both deputies had been placed on Administrative Leave with Pay after the shooting incident that resulted in the death of Rickey Leonard Harris.
The Office of Professional Standards, which is the agency’s internal affairs unit, was directed by Sheriff Clark to investigate the incident independent of the criminal investigation that is still being conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
The internal investigation file was turned over to Sheriff Clark late yesterday afternoon for his review. He issued his directive today to return both deputies to full active status with no restrictions.
Sheriff Clark stated…
“Our agency has reviewed the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident involving the use of deadly force and I concur with the findings that the deputies were justified and within policy in their decision to discharge a service weapon for the protection of their own life.
Anytime a life is lost it’s a very tragic situation. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our deputies, their families, and the family of Mr. Harris.”
###