The Pickens County Coroner’s Office has identified Nicholas Elias Fernandez, 26, of Greer, as the man who was shot and killed by an officer in Easley, S.C. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division provided new details about the incident, revealing that Fernandez was armed with a baseball bat and making threats before being shot by police. The officer encountered Fernandez outside a home, where he was armed with an axe. Despite previous threats to pour gasoline on someone’s car, Fernandez was shot during an altercation and died at the scene. This marks the 24th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina in 2024 and the second involving the Easley Police Department.
Tragic Shooting Incident in Easley, South Carolina
The Pickens County Coroner’s Office recently released the name of the man who tragically lost his life in a police shooting in Easley, South Carolina. The victim was identified as Nicholas Elias Fernandez, a 26-year-old resident of Greer.
Details of the Shooting
On Tuesday, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) provided additional information about the incident. According to Renée Wunderlich from SLED, officers from the Easley Police Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a man, later identified as Fernandez, who was armed with a baseball bat, making threats, and shoplifting before leaving a Tractor Supply Company store.
The Easley police were alerted to the situation at approximately 10:50 a.m. on Monday when the man was reportedly threatening the store manager on Rolling Hills Circle.
Encounter with Law Enforcement
Upon responding to the calls, an officer from the Easley Police Department encountered Fernandez outside a nearby residence. According to Wunderlich, Fernandez was armed with an axe at the time of the altercation. Police reports also indicated that Fernandez had a gas can and was threatening to pour gasoline on someone’s vehicle.
During the confrontation, the officer discharged their weapon, fatally shooting Fernandez at the scene. Wunderlich stated that due to the ongoing investigation, no further details would be disclosed.
Incident Statistics
Wunderlich mentioned that the incident in Pickens County marked the 24th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina in the year 2024. Notably, this was the second officer-involved shooting involving the Easley Police Department in the same year.
As the community mourns the loss of Nicholas Elias Fernandez, questions and concerns surrounding the circumstances of the shooting continue to linger. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the truth behind this tragic event.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Nicholas Elias Fernandez during this difficult time.