Warrants Taken Against Suspect in Oconee Co SC Officer-Involved Shooting

Investigators with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office have obtained warrants against 50-year-old Gregory Wayne Maxwell of Fair Play, SC in connection with last Thursday’s officer involved shooting on Highway 11 in Oconee County.

Warrants against Maxwell have been obtained which include five counts of Attempted Murder, and Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime after Greenville County Investigators found that he shot an Oconee County Deputy and engaged in a shootout with additional Deputies a short time later.

According to Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw, at around noon last Thursday, 27 year old Deputy Corporal Lucas Watts initiated a traffic stop on Highway 11 in Oconee County.

After Maxwell initially pulled over, he drove away and a pursuit ensued.

During the pursuit the Maxwell’s vehicle came to another stop on Black Bass Road near Shelor Ferry Road at which time Deputy Watts was shot.

Maxwell then allegedly drove off again before his vehicle came to another stop where he exited the vehicle near Black Bass Road and Catfish Hill Road.

At that location Maxwell was shot by law enforcement and taken into custody.

Maxwell remains in custody at the hospital due to sustaining injuries from at least one gunshot wound from law enforcement.

Following a potential discharge from the hospital Maxwell will be arraigned by an Oconee County Magistrate and formally charged.

Deputy Watts underwent surgery and as of Saturday was listed in stable but serious condition.

Watts has served with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office since March 2020.

He came to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for approximately two and one-half years.

Corporal Watts is currently assigned to our P.A.C.E. (Pro-Active Community Enforcement) team and serves in our Marine Unit.

Sheriff Crenshaw said the officer involved shooting investigation is still ongoing and no additional details are being released at this time.