Suspect Matthew Berry Shot by Police in Florence After Barricade Situation

A man sought in connection with a fatal shooting at a Florence apartment complex was shot by police on Monday night. Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken confirmed that 41-year-old Matthew Berry was killed during a barricade situation on Brittany Drive. According to von Lutcken, officers from both the Florence Police Department and Florence County Sheriff’s Office were present to execute a search warrant when Berry allegedly opened fire on them.

Florence police Capt. Stephen Starling detailed that efforts to persuade Berry to surrender escalated into an officer-involved shooting. Despite attempts to negotiate, the situation turned violent, leading officers to shoot Berry. He was pronounced dead at the scene, as confirmed by the coroner.

Berry was wanted in connection with a shooting that occurred early Sunday at the Colonial Gardens Apartments on Third Loop Road. Florence police discovered 34-year-old Idris Chance Ali Cooper lying in the parking lot next to a running car, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene, sparking a manhunt for Berry, who was identified as a suspect in the homicide.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is currently investigating the officer-involved shooting that led to Berry’s death. This investigation aims to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and to ensure that all actions taken by law enforcement were in accordance with protocol.

The sequence of events began with the tragic shooting of Idris Chance Ali Cooper, which led law enforcement on a pursuit to apprehend Matthew Berry. The culmination of this pursuit resulted in a tense and dangerous standoff, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by officers in the line of duty. The incident underscores the severe consequences of violent crime and the critical need for effective law enforcement response.

As the investigation by SLED continues, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of these events. The deaths of both Cooper and Berry have left a significant impact on their families and the wider community, prompting discussions about safety, justice, and the procedures followed by law enforcement in high-stakes situations.

Florence Police and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office have extended their condolences to the families affected by these tragedies and have reiterated their commitment to transparency and thorough investigation in such incidents. The findings of the ongoing investigation by SLED will be crucial in providing a clear understanding of the events that transpired and in guiding any necessary actions or policy adjustments moving forward.