Rookie Deputy Killed in Darlington County Ambush Just Weeks After Completing Training
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. – A 27-year-old deputy was shot and killed in what officials are calling an ambush during a late-night warrant operation Tuesday in Lamar, just weeks after completing field training.
The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Deputy Devin Mason was fatally shot while assisting in serving a warrant around 1:30 a.m. at a mobile home on Old Timers Court.
A second deputy was also shot but survived and has since been released from the hospital. The suspect involved in the exchange of gunfire was also killed during the incident.
Deadly Ambush During Warrant Service
The deputies were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for criminal conspiracy and forgery when they entered the mobile home and were met with gunfire, according to Sheriff James Hudson.
The suspect, later identified as Cameron Ray Dennett, was shot and killed at the scene. Authorities say the shooting was unexpected and caught both deputies off guard — a scenario Sheriff Hudson referred to as an “ambush.”
A Short Career, a Lasting Legacy
Deputy Mason had just completed his field training three months ago. He was engaged to be married and had recently become a father to a 2-month-old son.
“Devin was one of the best of us — compassionate, courageous, and full of potential,” Sheriff Hudson said. “His loss leaves a hole in our department and our community.”
Additional Arrest Made, Investigation Ongoing
A 28-year-old woman, Kristen Porter, was also arrested at the scene and charged with accessory after the fact and misprision of a felony. She was released from the Florence County Detention Center on $16,000 bond, according to court records.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is now leading the investigation.
Community and State Respond
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has ordered all flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff in Mason’s honor.
“We are devastated to lose another brave law enforcement officer in the line of duty. Please pray for his family and fellow deputies,” the governor stated.
Nonprofit organization Serve & Connect has also launched a fundraiser to support Mason’s family, with donations already exceeding $15,000.
One of the County’s Few Line-of-Duty Deaths
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Mason is just the second deputy in Darlington County Sheriff’s Office history to die in the line of duty. The first was Sheriff Alton Grinnell, who died in 1945.
The incident marks the 28th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina this year, but the first in Darlington County.
How should South Carolina better support young officers and their families after tragedies like this? Share your thoughts, tributes, or support messages at saludastandard-sentinel.com — your voice honors the fallen.
