2/1/2023 Incident- Highway 418

On January 30th, deputies responded to Reedy Creek Road in Fountain Inn in reference to an assault that had already occurred. The victim stated that the subject became aggressive and held her down, placing his hands around her neck. Subject then grabbed her by her hair and slammed her down on the hardwood floors before striking her multiple times in the face. The subject left the scene prior to the arrival of deputies, who went forward with their investigation and obtained warrants for Assault and Battery 1st degree, as well as Kidnapping.



On February 1st, deputies were following up on the above mentioned case and while in the area of Highway 418 and Scuffletown Road, the subject’s vehicle was observed. Deputies had knowledge of this individual making previous threats to harm himself and possibly being in possession of a handgun. The subject refused to stop for deputies and continued on Highway 418 toward Thomason Road. Deputies made multiple attempts to make contact once the subject eventually stopped the vehicle. The LCSO drone was activated in an attempt to maintain deputy safety and from this surveillance, it was determined that the subject had possibly hurt himself. Deputies made entry into the vehicle where they discovered him deceased from a self-inflicted wound. 


SLED was called to the scene to continue the investigation. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office does not normally identify subjects whose manner of death is suicide, however due to the totality of circumstances, the individual has been identified as 36 year old Bradley David Atwell of Fountain Inn.

"This is an unfortunate incident and I am thankful that no residents or deputies were injured. Due to their quick thinking and utilization of the drone, the situation was contained in a professional manner.”

Sheriff Don Reynolds