21-year-old charged after West Ashley officer-involved shooting

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Charleston Police Department has identified the suspect in an officer-involved shooting that happened at a West Ashley apartment complex Tuesday night.

Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Harper Lawrence-Weiland, who faces a charge from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division of first-degree burglary.

An arrest warrant states Lawrence-Weiland broke into an apartment and stole clothes and a handgun. Investigators say witnesses called police to report a man walking in the apartment complex with a gun and pointing it at vehicles and shooting it at the ground.

Charleston Police responded to the apartment complex just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to a report of gunshots being fired, Sgt. Chris Stinson said.

Once on the scene, officers encountered Lawrence-Weiland, who they say was armed. Police officer Conall Murphy fired his duty weapon and Lawrence-Weiland received a minor injury and was treated at the scene, SLED spokesperson Renée Wunderlich said Lawrence-Weiland was not struck by gunfire, but authorities have not provided details about the nature of the minor injury he suffered.

Executive Deputy Police Chief Jack Weiss said at a press briefing Thursday afternoon.

Murphy was not injured, he said. Weiss said Murphy is assigned to the Charleston Police Team Four, which covers West Ashley and he is part of the Patrol Training Officer Program, Weiss said.

Murphy was placed on paid administrative leave on Tuesday, Weiss said.

The warrant states Lawrence-Weiland admitted to going into the apartment and stealing the firearm.

SLED is investigating the incident and the Charleston Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division will also be reviewing what happened.

The Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office would then decide, based on SLED’s final report, whether any additional charges might be filed.

Suspect in officer-involved shooting had criminal history

Charleston County court records show Lawrence-Weiland had numerous run-ins with law enforcement over the last four years.

Most of the 15 counts he has been charged with are municipal-level offenses. They include multiple charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, shoplifting and carrying a concealed toy pistol.

He has also been charged with driving under the influence as a first offense and concealing a weapon other than a pistol, and a jury trial has been requested in that case.

Lawrence-Weiland has also been charged with both reckless and negligent driving.

Seven cases have been completed, with Lawarence-Weiland never owing more than a fine.

The latest charge of first-degree burglary in connection to Tuesday night’s incident carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.