Clover Man Arrested After Shooting At Police and SWAT Standoff
Charged with Attempted Murder
July 5, 2024: A resident of Clover, South Carolina, has been charged with three counts of attempted murder following an episode in which he reportedly fired a shotgun at local law enforcement officers, triggering a standoff with the York County SWAT team. The suspect, located on Stanton Street, was identified as 57-year-old William Dean Jefferis.
The Standoff
Local law enforcement responded to reports of domestic disturbance at the property late on July 4. Upon their arrival, they were met with gunfire from inside the house, though nobody was injured in the initial exchange. The standoff lasted for about five hours, during which homes surrounding the property were cleared as a precautionary measure. The situation was brought under control before 6 a.m. on July 5 when York County SWAT took Jefferis into custody without incident.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Following his arrest, Jefferis was charged with three counts of attempted murder. Reports suggest that no shots were returned during the standoff, a decision that Clover Police Chief Randy Grice said contributed to the resolution of the situation without any injuries. “I am glad it turned out the way it did and nobody was hurt,” Grice stated.
Jefferis now faces severe penalties, as each count of attempted murder can carry up to 30 years in prison under South Carolina law. The court proceedings are yet to kick off, according to the York County online court records.
Suspect’s Employment Status
In a twist to the story, it was revealed that Jefferis is an employee of the Town of Clover. His precise role remains unknown, but authorities stated that he is not a police officer. The Town of Clover, located to the northwest of Rock Hill and west of Lake Wylie and Charlotte, has a population of around 8,000 residents.
