Coroner identifies suspect killed in deputy-involved shooting in Greer

GREER, SC (FOX Carolina) – The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has identified a suspect killed in a deputy-involved shooting that began Monday evening.

According to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, dispatch received a 911 call from someone reporting shots fired at a home near North Highway 101 in Greer around 9:45 p.m. Responding deputies learned that a resident of the home shot at another person who also lived there.

Fortunately, the victim was not injured and was able to leave the home.

Officers said during the investigation they received information that the alleged suspect was armed and barricaded inside the home. SWAT team members and negotiators were called and responded to the scene.

Officials said during the negotiation efforts, the suspect came out of the home and an exchange of gunfire led to an officer involved shooting around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, involving two deputies. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

The coroner identified the suspect as 62-year-old Rene Mercado Contreras.

As per Sheriff’s Office protocol, SLED was asked to investigate and the two deputies involved will be placed on paid administrative leave.

The sheriff’s office will release a community briefing video on the incident on December 20 at 8 a.m.

Stay tuned as we work to find out more information.