SLED agents identifies gunman who shot and injured a Lexington County sheriff’s deputy Saturday afte

Pine Grove, SC (Paul Kirby) – The SC Law Enforcement Division has released the name of the gunman that shot a Lexington County Sheriff’s deputy Saturday afternoon during a domestic disturbance call in the Manchester Park neighborhood off Old Barnwell Road. According to SLED, the gunman is Mark Louis Cote, 70, of Lexington County.

Multiple agencies responded to assist the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department after Cote exchanged gunfire with deputies around 4:00 p.m. Saturday. Deputies were requested and responded to a home on Eagleview Drive after a frantic 911 call from a woman who reported that Cote had become violent during a domestic confrontation.

According to agents, after an exchange of gunfire with deputies Cote retreated into his home with his firearm. A multi-hour standoff with law enforcement officers ensued. The suspect ultimately surrendered to officers and was taken into custody about 4:00 a.m. Sunday, September 6, 2020. Cote was not injured during his arrest; however, he was taken to a local hospital afterward as a precautionary measure.

The deputy that was injured was released from the hospital Saturday evening after treatment for his wounds. SLED’s investigation is ongoing. A photograph of Cote has not been made available on the LCSD's website.