Man kills self in North Charleston store in what first appeared to be active shooter case (2024)

NORTH CHARLESTON — A man armed with a long rifle entered a discount store around 1:30 p.m. July 20, triggering a large emergency response at a busyshopping center.

North Charleston police officers responded to dd’s Discounts on Rivers Avenue, where they believed an active shooter was holding those inside the store that sells women and children's clothes hostage, according to Deputy Chief Scott Perry.

The 20 to 30 people inside the store wereevacuated safely, Perry said, adding that the armed man had been in a different part of the store.

As police prepared to enter the store to confront the gunman, they heard one gunshot, Perry said.

The man, who has not been identified, shot himself and died on the scene.

“We don’t know why he was there, or what the connection is,” he said.

No one else was injured, police said.

Police did not fire their weapons, Perry said.

“It was never an active shooter situation,” he added.

The busy commercial center was blocked off for hours. The shopping center is home a McDonald's, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and the new location of El Molino Supermarket, a popular taquería and bakery.

Onlookers watched from outside the other businesses and across the busy avenue as police cleared the scene.

Police secured the scene, but asked the public avoid the area until they leave.