South Carolina deputy shot during I-85 traffic stop; suspect killed

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. – An Anderson County deputy is facing life-threatening injuries after a traffic stop turned into a deadly shooting on Interstate 85 Monday afternoon.

Deadly encounter during I-85 stop

What we know:

The incident began when deputies pulled over a Dodge Challenger on the interstate, according to a post to the sheriff’s office Facebook page. While interviewing the driver, the first deputy called for backup. A second deputy arrived, but the situation turned violent when the person in the car grabbed a gun and fired, hitting the second deputy. The deputy who first made the stop shot back, killing the suspect at the scene.

The suspect was identified on Tuesday morning as 32-year-old Austin Derrell Robertson from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

What we don’t know:

It is unclear what led to the initial traffic stop or what was said during the interview with the driver before the shooting started. The specific medical condition of the wounded deputy has not been updated beyond being life-threatening.

An Anderson County, S.C. deputy was critically injured during a traffic stop along I-85 on April 20, 2026. (Anderson County Sheriff’s Office)

State agents leading the investigation

What’s next:

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken over the lead in the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Authorities say this remains an active and ongoing investigation.