Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Sunday morning, October 5, 2025, following a violent series of events involving a hatchet-wielding suspect.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, deputies initially responded around 7:41 a.m. to a report of a missing person, identified as 29-year-old David Edward Browne of Martinsburg. Family members reported that Browne, who suffered from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, had been off his prescribed medications, exhibiting paranoid behavior, and had discarded his identification and electronic devices.
Shortly after 8:00 a.m., deputies received another 911 call reporting that a naked male armed with a hatchet had attacked a woman in her driveway, striking her vehicle and shattering several windows before fleeing the scene.
At approximately 8:16 a.m., Browne returned to his residence on Jenny Wren Drive, where he began destroying property while still armed. Deputies arrived and encountered Browne’s mother, who escaped the home. Moments later, Browne allegedly emerged from a side door and attacked Cpl. McBee with the hatchet. Deputies discharged their weapons, striking Browne.
Deputies immediately secured the weapon and rendered medical aid until emergency personnel arrived. Browne was transported to Berkeley Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a full investigation, as is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
