News Summary
A 49-year-old woman, Melissa Hinson, was shot by a Rock Hill police officer during an incident involving a replica BB gun. Hinson allegedly threatened individuals while brandishing the gun, which closely resembled a real firearm. After fleeing from deputies, she was shot when she refused to comply with orders to surrender. Hinson faces multiple charges and is currently detained with a bond set at $30,000. The incident has raised public safety concerns regarding the use of replica firearms in the community.
Rock Hill Police Officer Shoots Woman Waving Replica Gun, Now Facing Charges
Rock Hill – A police officer in Rock Hill shot a 49-year-old woman, identified as Melissa Hinson, during an incident involving a BB gun that resembled a real firearm. The shooting occurred during the weekend when Hinson reportedly threatened individuals in a neighborhood while brandishing the replica weapon.
Witnesses described a frantic scene as Hinson drove a Jeep and pointed the gun at people in the area. The chaotic situation escalated when she allegedly fired the BB gun, leaving one neighbor with visible damage to his home. Carl Harris Jr. reported that the gunfire resulted in holes in the siding of his house.
When deputies arrived and attempted to stop Hinson, she fled the scene, leading to a brief police chase. York County deputies were able to deploy stop sticks to deflate her tires, bringing her vehicle to a halt along Cheryl Lynn Drive, near Sturgis Road. However, when ordered to surrender, Hinson reportedly refused to comply. A Rock Hill police officer then fired a single round, which struck Hinson in the shoulder.
Following the shooting, Hinson was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and has since been released. She now faces multiple charges, including breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature and failure to stop for blue lights. Hinson is currently detained in jail with a bond set at $30,000.
The weapon involved in the incident was confirmed to be a modified BB gun, which closely resembled an actual firearm. Fortunately, no law enforcement personnel were injured during the confrontation. The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Details of the Incident
Reports indicate that prior to the police involvement, Hinson had engaged with neighbors in the vicinity, even knocking on doors. The motive behind her actions remains unclear as of now, drawing significant attention from both local residents and law enforcement. The officer who fired the shot has not been publicly identified, and the investigation continues as officials seek to gather all relevant information regarding the series of events that unfolded.
Community Impact and Concerns
This incident has understandably raised concerns within the Rock Hill community about public safety and the use of replica firearms. The fact that the weapon looked like a genuine gun has led to questions about the potential dangers associated with such items and their ability to escalate situations quickly.
As the investigation by SLED progresses, more information may come to light regarding both the actions of Hinson and the response by law enforcement. Community members are being urged to remain calm and patient while officials work to gather details about the incident.
The situation serves as a critical reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with situations involving imitation weapons and the potential for misunderstanding and escalation. Both residents of Rock Hill and law enforcement are eager to find clarity and resolution following this alarming event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WSOC TV
- Google Search: Rock Hill police shooting
- WCNC
- Google Scholar: Rock Hill police shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: police shooting
- WCCB Charlotte
- Google News: Rock Hill police shooting
- Post and Courier
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
