Police responding to suspicious incident at DHEC, DSS in downtown Sumter

At least two civilians taken back inside with helmets, vests

Posted

UPDATE: 3:45 p.m. The building has been cleared, and the threat is over. Employees were seen walking back from First Baptist Church, which allowed them to retreat from the heat and remain until the situation was over, to the building.

Magnolia Street is open again.

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Sumter police are responding to a “possible event” downtown Wednesday afternoon at the building that houses the Department of Health and Environmental Control and Department of Social Services.

What may have happened and the current situaiton is not yet clear.  Motorists and pedestrians are being asked to avoid the area off Lafayette Drive between Calhoun and Liberty streets. Part of Magnolia Street and Hampton Avenue is closed.

Officers got to the scene around 12:30 p.m. to block off roads and evacuate employees. A K-9 has been on scene.

The Sumter Item staff reporter Adrienne Sarvis is on scene and relaying information.

She said officers have put helmets and bulletproof vests on at least two civilians and taken them inside the building. Whether those people were employees could not be confirmed.

When she asked if those people going inside with officers were helping guide officers because they are familiar with the layout of the building, Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for the police department, could not confirm.

Stay tuned at TheItem.com as more information is posted when it becomes available.