Cop Sued for Fatal Shooting of Unarmed Man and K-9 Attack on Elderly Man

Lawsuit Filed Against Former Deputy

• ⚖️ A lawsuit has been filed against former Florence County Sheriff's Deputy Treyvon Sellers for the fatal shooting of an unarmed man, William Dwayne Rankin.
• 🏠 Sellers allegedly entered Rankin's home over a speeding violation, despite not using a radar detector to confirm the speed.
• 🐶 Sellers also allowed his K-9 to maul 72-year-old Johnny Cooper, who was inside the home and unrelated to the traffic infraction.

Allegations of Protocol Violations

• 🚨 The claim states Sellers pursued Rankin for several miles, and upon entering the property, released his K-9 into the home before spotting Rankin on the couch.
• 💥 Sellers is accused of issuing contradictory orders before shooting Rankin five times, resulting in his death.
• 📜 Rankin's brother and Johnny Cooper are the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Deputy's History and Termination

• 📅 Sellers remained employed for three months after the incident until his arrest for an unrelated domestic violence incident involving his wife.
• ⚠️ This was Sellers' second domestic violence arrest in two years, leading to his termination.
• ⚖️ He faces charges of manslaughter, assault and battery, and official misconduct for the Rankin and Cooper incident, as well as the domestic violence charges.

Questions of Departmental Oversight

• 🔍 Despite the Sheriff's claims of transparency, training records indicate Sellers had prior pending criminal investigations and charges when hired.
• 🚫 The lawsuit alleges the Florence County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) ignored previous incidents involving Sellers and his K-9 that violated policy and used excessive force.
• 🤷 The FCSO is accused of turning a blind eye to these incidents, allowing Sellers and the K-9 to continue patrol duties.

Commentary on Insecurity and Anger

• 🗣️ Yasmin Aliya Khan suggests the incident was motivated by anger and insecurity rather than justice.
• 😠 She argues that individuals who abuse power often do so out of insecurity and an inability to command respect through legitimate means.
• 📢 Calls were made for law enforcement departments to enforce their stated values and policies immediately, rather than issuing statements after incidents.