LEXINGTON, S.C. – The man who died after pointing a handgun and shooting at Lexington County deputies and West Columbia police officers Friday has been identified.
Tyler Mehki Sincere Boages, 19, died of multiple gunshots to the upper body, according to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher.
“This incident started after a 911 caller reported a mental health patient in her family was threatening to shoot family members and himself at an apartment off Feather Run Trail,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “As officers arrived, he ran away from the scene. The subject ran into some nearby woods where, after officers ordered him to drop his gun, he fired shots at officers. Officers then returned fire.”
No officers were injured in the incident, which happened in a portion of Lexington County sandwiched by West Columbia city limits, according to Koon.
“This has been a tough day. We have a grieving mother and family dealing with these mental issues and they’re going through a tragedy right now,” Koon said. “These officers will never be the same. They had to dodge bullets and do their job today. That’s a lot of hurt. There are no winners here.”
Four deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave, according to Koon. West Columbia Police Chief Marion Boyce confirmed his department has placed two officers on administrative leave with pay.
Koon said, based on his policy, he has requested that agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigate the shooting to ensure a fair, thorough and independent review of the incident.