Deputy Detained: Shocking Incident Involving Unarmed Individual and K-9 Attack

At a Glance

The deputy, Treyvon Jonathan Sellers, is charged with voluntary manslaughter and assault.
William Dwayne Rankin, an unarmed suspect, was shot and killed by Sellers.
Sellers’ police dog mauled Johnny Cooper, an innocent bystander.
Sellers was fired after an unrelated domestic violence arrest.

Deputy Charged with Serious Crimes

Treyvon Jonathan Sellers, a deputy in South Carolina, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter and assault after a series of alarming actions on May 26. Sellers allegedly shot William Dwayne Rankin, an unarmed suspect, five times, resulting in Rankin’s death. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Sellers ordered his police dog to attack Johnny Cooper, an innocent homeowner, during the incident. Sellers was fired in July following an unrelated domestic violence arrest.

The incident began when Sellers pursued Rankin for reckless driving, leading Rankin to crash his vehicle into a tree and flee into Cooper’s nearby home. Sellers reportedly entered the home without announcing himself and released his K-9. The dog attacked Cooper, leaving him mauled for approximately 87 seconds and suffering permanent injuries. Sellers shot Rankin while he lay unarmed on a couch.

State agents arrested former Florence County deputy Treyvon Jonathan Sellers on Wednesday. He was placed on leave after the May 26 shooting and was fired in July. https://t.co/S1tSuwSu1a

— WJZ | CBS Baltimore (@wjz) August 22, 2024

The Aftermath and Charges

Sellers was put on leave after the May 26 incident and was eventually fired following an unrelated domestic violence arrest in late July. He faces charges of voluntary manslaughter, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and misconduct in office. If convicted, he could face significant prison time–two to 30 years for manslaughter and up to 20 years for assault and battery.

The community has expressed outrage over the incident, and calls for systemic change in local law enforcement have grown louder. Body camera footage released by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office shows Sellers’ actions, including the shooting of Rankin and the dog attack on Cooper. Initially, the video was withheld at the families’ request and was only released on Aug. 23 with their agreement.

Body Camera Footage and Findings

The body camera footage captures Sellers’ pursuit of Rankin and subsequent entry into Cooper’s home without announcing himself. The footage shows Sellers releasing the K-9 into the house, where it attacked Cooper, who was not suspected of any crime. Sellers did not call EMS immediately and instead continued to hold the dog by its collar. Official policies allow deputies to mute their body cameras when speaking with department supervisors, raising further concerns about oversight and transparency.

“I personally met with the families of Mr. Rankin and Mr. Cooper where I have been as candid and transparent as I know how, and I have expressed my deep regret and sorrow over this incident. This incident is not indicative of our values, our mission or our training.” – Florence County, S.C. Sheriff TJ Joye.

Florence County Sheriff’s Office has expressed deep regret and sorrow over the incident, and Sheriff TJ Joye has made efforts to communicate openly with the impacted families, emphasizing that Sellers’ actions do not reflect the values, mission, or training of their department. As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, seeking justice and demanding enhanced accountability within law enforcement.