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CLOVER, S.C. – The York County Sheriff’s Office is calling what happened Tuesday night “an unfortunate incident” and is issuing a warning to other drivers: “Please do not exit your vehicle. Wait until we approach your vehicle.” Β Sheriff’s spokesman Trent Faris won’t explain much, but says Deputy Terrance Knox pulled over the driver of a white truck at Highway 321 and Mosteller Street north of Clover.Β
Knox apparently made the stop because the driver, 70-year-old Bobby Dean Canipe, had an expired license plate. Β Faris says dash cam video from the cruiser shows Canipe exit his vehicle and reach into the truck bed. Β He says, “Deputy Knox was forced to make a split second, life or death decision and fired his weapon several times, striking Mr. Canipe once.”Β
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What Canipe grabbed from the back of his truck was a walking cane. Β Knox, who’s been with the Sheriff’s Office for almost three years, apparently thought it was a long barrel rifle. Β You can see where one of the deputy’s bullets hit the truck’s windshield. Β There was a passenger in the truck: Canipe’s girlfriend. Β She was not hurt. Β Canipe was shot in the abdomen. Β Β Β Β Β
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A statement from the Sheriff’s Office says in part Deputy Knox “rendered aid to Mr. Canipe until EMS arrived.” Β So far, the York County Sheriff’s Office says Knox had “an appropriate response to what he believed to be an imminent threat.” Β Faris says, “This is an unfortunate situation.” Β Β Β
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Canipe is listed in serious condition. Β The sheriff’s spokesman wouldn’t say how many shots the deputy fired. Β He also said the dash cam video will not be released. Β The deputy is on paid administrative leave while state police investigate.Β
