Rock Hill Deputy Cleared in Fatal Shooting of Kidnapping Suspect After Self-Defense Assessment

Rock Hill Deputy Acted in Self-Defense in Fatal Shooting of Kidnapping Suspect

Rock Hill, South Carolina—A York County deputy was justified in shooting and killing a kidnapping suspect after the man charged at officers with a baseball bat following a standoff, according to the county’s prosecutor. Richard Zonjic, 52, died on April 21 during a confrontation with law enforcement on Ellis Pond Drive.

Details of the Incident

The events unfolded after Zonjic allegedly refused to allow a woman, whom he had taken against her will, to leave the house. He reportedly forced her back inside when she attempted to exit in an Uber. The situation escalated, leading to an hours-long standoff that ended tragically.

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) conducted an investigation into the shooting. Following a thorough review of the evidence, Kevin Brackett, the 16th Circuit Solicitor, concluded that no criminal charges would be filed against the deputy involved. Brackett noted that his review indicated there was “no criminal wrongdoing” in the deputy’s actions.

Background of the Shooting

Before the shooting, Zonjic had barricaded himself in a house for three hours as SWAT members surrounded the building. The Uber driver, who attempted to help the woman escape, alerted police that Zonjic appeared to be armed. This information heightened the urgency and tension surrounding the situation.

Actions Taken by Law Enforcement

When Zonjic eventually exited the house through the back door after SWAT breached the front, he was wielding the baseball bat. According to Brackett, Deputy Daniel Barfield was confronted by Zonjic as he swung the bat at two deputies. Under these circumstances, Brackett stated that the officers had “reasonable fear” for their safety, believing they were in imminent danger of “death or serious bodily injury.”

Brackett explained that Zonjic was given every opportunity to surrender peacefully. “He chose instead to run out the back door, armed with a baseball bat,” Brackett wrote in his correspondence to SLED.

Deputy’s History and Policy for Investigation

Deputy Barfield has been with the York County Sheriff’s Office for over a year, following six years of service with another police agency. After the shooting, Sheriff Kevin Tolson requested SLED to investigate the incident, a standard procedure when deputies are involved in a shooting.

Since the incident, Brackett has been reelected as York County’s top prosecutor and emphasizes the need for transparency in police shooting reviews to the public. His communication on this incident aligns with this focus on accountability.

Previous Incidents

This shooting is part of a broader context in which Brackett had previously found a March shooting involving another deputy to be justified. In that earlier incident, a Clover man armed with a rifle was killed, escalating the conversation around police uses of force in the community.

The events of April 21 have raised questions about police conduct and the nature of encounters between law enforcement and suspects, especially those involving weapons or perceived threats.

Conclusion

In summary, the decision by the York County deputy to use lethal force has been deemed legally justified after a comprehensive investigation. The case reflects ongoing discussions about the responsibilities and dangers faced by law enforcement in trying to protect themselves and the public in exigent circumstances.