Deputy shot, dog killed during manhunt for suspect accused of shooting South Carolina police officer

LEE COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – The Horry County Police Department has released new details about its investigation into a statewide manhunt that turned into an officer-involved shooting.

The incident follows an incident in McBee, where Alston Modlin, 27, allegedly shot a police officer during a traffic stop Thursday night.

Authorities then began searching for Modlin, issuing a statewide Blue Alert before the chase led them to an area near Una Road in Lee County. HCPD said that's where the officer-involved shooting occurred Friday morning.

The Lee County Coroner's Office later identified Modlin as the suspect killed in Friday morning's shooting. A Lee County deputy was also injured in that shooting and a K-9 unit member was killed, according to HCPD.

HCPD has been tasked with leading the investigation into the suspect's death as the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Lee County Sheriff's Office may have been involved.

In a statement, Lee County Sheriff Daniel Simon said he was grateful for the assistance from state agencies and other regional departments.

“We have received overwhelming community support from near and far, and every person and agency that has reached out to check in and offer their prayers is appreciated,” he said. “We are a small agency and we have to wear many different hats here. We are deeply saddened by the loss of K-9 Mikka, who was just as much a member of our team as my chief deputy who was injured.”

HCPD said they left the scene around 2 a.m. Saturday, but the investigation remains active and ongoing.

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