Lexington, SC (Paul Kirby) – Corporal Cameron Mortenson of the Lexington Police Department said that their negotiators are trying to reestablish a line of communication with the suspect who called their central dispatch sometime Monday afternoon. That subject told dispatchers he was intent on having the police kill him. Mortenson said that he had suffered several life altering incidents withing the last several weeks that could have caused him to act in such a manner.
Mortenson said that when their first officers arrived, they were able to speak with the suspect by telephone. He has since cut off all communications with the police. They are trying to reestablish that line of communication at this point.
Corporal Mortensons said that if people are within the park or the police perimeter, they are simply being asked to shelter in place. He said if you live in the area, you will not be allowed to enter the park while the situation is ongoing.
Mortenson said that they are intent on waiting the situation out and have trained negotiators on scene in case they reestablish contact. Until this happens and the suspect come out, the area of Hickory Hills MHP will remain off-limits and large police presence will be on the scene. It is their hope that no officers, members of the public, or the subject himself is harmed in any way.
We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
