Sheriff Duane Lewis

08/25/2026

For Immediate Release
August 24, 2026


𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝, 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. - (Monday, August 24, 2026) Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deputies rescued a young child and two adults from the water Saturday evening after a small vessel capsized near the d**e during a sudden and severe storm.

The rescue was captured on camera and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/3_htQTRuJxs

On Saturday, August 22, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a strong storm developed in the area, bringing extremely high winds and dangerous conditions on the water. During the storm, deputies assigned to Marine Patrol were alerted that a small vessel had struck the rocks and capsized, sending several people, including a young child, into the water.

BCSO Marine 6, a SAFE Boat that was operating nearby, immediately responded to the area. Two individuals from the vessel were able to climb onto the rocks and make their way to the top of the d**e. Two adults and the young child remained in the water and required assistance.

During the rescue, a deputy entered the water and successfully reached the young child and two adults. Other deputies on board lowered the bow stairway, allowing the crew to gain closer access to the water. This assisted the deputy in the water to safely bring all three aboard.

Deputies skillfully maneuvered Marine 6 near the rocks despite the severe weather and hazardous conditions, allowing the crew to safely complete the rescue.

Berkeley County EMS responded to the Adkins’ Boat Landing, where all individuals were evaluated following the incident. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources also responded to the incident to investigate.

The boat crew displayed exceptional bravery and skill throughout the rescue, working together under dangerous weather and water conditions to bring the individuals to safety.

The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office commends those deputies working Marine Patrol that day, and all responding personnel for their quick response, bravery, and teamwork during dangerous and rapidly changing conditions. Their actions helped ensure everyone made it safely out of the water.

08/20/2026

𝐁𝐂𝐒𝐎 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲 “𝐒𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫!” 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is joining law enforcement agencies across South Carolina and the nation for the 2026 Labor Day Sober or Slammer! enforcement campaign, taking place August 19 through September 7, 2026.

The campaign coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s efforts to reduce impaired driving through education and increased enforcement.

Throughout the campaign period, Berkeley County deputies will remain vigilant for impaired drivers and other dangerous driving behaviors. Motorists are reminded that choosing to drive impaired puts not only their own lives at risk, but also the lives of passengers, pedestrians, first responders, and everyone else sharing the roadway.

According to national data, impaired driving continues to be a serious concern during the Labor Day holiday period. During the 2024 Labor Day holiday, 505 people were killed in traffic crashes nationwide. Of those fatalities, 170 occurred in crashes involving at least one alcohol-impaired driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office encourages everyone celebrating Labor Day to plan ahead. Never drive after drinking alcohol or using any substance that may impair your ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Drivers should also remember that impaired driving includes more than alcohol. Certain prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and illegal drugs can affect a person's ability to safely operate a vehicle.

The message this Labor Day is simple: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Sober or Slammer!

07/30/2026

07/29/2026

07/24/2026

For Immediate Release
July 24, 2026

𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. - (Friday, July 24, 2026) Two Berkeley County Sheriff's Office deputies were injured Thursday night after their patrol vehicle was struck from behind by an impaired driver in Summerville. The collision occurred just after 9:30 p.m. near 2076 N. Main Street.

At the time of the crash, a Berkeley County deputy was undergoing field training with her Field Training Officer (FTO). The deputies were stopped at a red light in their marked patrol vehicle on N. Main Street. As the traffic signal turned green and they began to proceed through the intersection, their patrol vehicle was rear-ended by Treyvon Behrends Wallace, 25, of Pinewind Way in Goose Creek.

Both deputies were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. They sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Wallace was arrested by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and charged with Driving Under the Influence.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the collision. Any additional details regarding the crash or the ongoing investigation will be released by SCHP.

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office asks the community to keep both deputies in their thoughts as they recover. Driving under the influence puts everyone on the road at risk, and this incident serves as another reminder of the devastating consequences impaired driving can have on our community.

07/07/2026

For Immediate Release
July 7, 2026

𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟'𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. - (Tuesday, July 7, 2026) Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis announced the arrest of a woman who was charged in connection with an armed shoplifting incident that occurred earlier this year. Cherish Eternity Lancaster, 33, of Longridge Road, was charged with Armed Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime and Pointing and Presenting a Firearm.

Lancaster was arrested after an extensive investigation by the BCSO Criminal Investigations Division and Intelligence Unit.

On April 4, deputies responded to Harris Teeter, located at 1269 Nexton Parkway in Summerville, after receiving a report of a shoplifting in progress. While deputies were enroute, dispatchers were advised that Lancaster had displayed a firearm during the incident before fleeing the scene in a white sedan.

The investigation revealed that Lancaster entered the store carrying reusable grocery bags, placed them inside a shopping cart, and selected various grocery items throughout the store. After passing all points of sale without paying, Lancaster was confronted by store employees. As Lancaster attempted to leave the store, an employee instructed her to stop. Investigators say Lancaster lifted her shirt, revealed a handgun tucked into her waistband, and threatened to kill everyone inside the store before fleeing in a white sedan.

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division with the help of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Intelligence Unit immediately began investigating the incident and later obtained warrants charging Lancaster.

Over the following weeks, investigators determined Lancaster was frequently associated with another criminal who moved between various locations to avoid apprehension. Detectives pursued numerous leads, interviewed family members and associates, and obtained multiple search warrants to track Lancaster's movements.

On June 25, detectives received a tip that Lancaster was at a residence on Longridge Road. Deputies responded to the residence, where Lancaster was taken into custody without incident.

"This arrest is the result of persistent investigative work and outstanding collaboration between our Criminal Investigations Division and Intelligence Unit," Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis stated. "Our investigators remained committed to locating this suspect, and their determination ensured she was safely taken into custody. We appreciate the cooperation from witnesses that ultimately helped bring this case to a successful conclusion."

Lancaster remains at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center.





















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07/06/2026

For Immediate Release
July 6, 2026

𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. - (Monday, July 6, 2026) Deputies with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office remained busy throughout the Fourth of July holiday weekend, answering hundreds of calls for service while proactively working to keep residents and visitors safe both on the roads and on the water.

Throughout the holiday weekend, deputies increased patrols across Berkeley County, conducted traffic safety checkpoints and enforcement operations, monitored local boat landings, and patrolled area lakes and rivers to ensure everyone could safely enjoy the holiday.

Marine Patrol deputies experienced heavy boating traffic on July 3 and July 4 before activity slowed on July 5.
During the three-day holiday period, Marine Patrol deputies conducted 11 vessel stops, towed four disabled vessels, assisted with three sinking vessels, rescued six people from the water, removed one waterway obstruction, issued two citations and six warnings.

Marine Patrol deputies assisted the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) with two Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests.

At Berkeley County boat landings and recreation areas, deputies also worked to address safety concerns and ordinance violations by issuing seven alcohol citations, issuing two grilling citations, issuing 14 parking warnings and three parking citations, issuing nine grill removal orders. Deputies continuously educated visitors about regulations prohibiting alcohol and grilling in designated beach and swimming areas.

The BCSO Traffic Unit conducted traffic safety checkpoints and increased enforcement efforts throughout the county to reduce dangerous driving behaviors. During the holiday weekend, deputies issued 3 citations for DUI, 58 for speeding, 20 for hands-free violation, 18 for seatbelt and child restraint violations, 26 for driver’s license violations, and 27 other traffic offenses. Deputies issued a total of 152 citations.

"The Fourth of July is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and our deputies worked tirelessly to keep Berkeley County safe," Sheriff Duane Lewis stated. "Whether responding to calls for service, patrolling our waterways, or conducting traffic enforcement, their commitment helped ensure families could celebrate the holiday as safely as possible. We appreciate everyone who made responsible decisions and partnered with us to keep our community safe."

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office reminds residents that public safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers are encouraged to obey speed limits, wear seatbelts, avoid impaired driving, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel. Boaters should always wear life jackets, designate a sober operator, and follow all state boating laws.

06/19/2026

For Immediate Release
June 19, 2026

𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟'𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐮

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. - (Friday, June 19, 2026) Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis announced the arrest of a Bonneau woman after an investigation into an aggravated assault that occurred on June 15. Lindsay Nicole Garcia, 38, of Jinks Lane, was charged with Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature and Burglary in the first degree.

On June 15, deputies responded to a report of an assault in progress at a home on Cozy Wood Drive. Upon arrival, deputies were directed inside the residence where they located an adult male suffering from severe chemical burns.
The victim was found in a bathroom attempting to rinse an unknown substance from his body. Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported him to the MUSC Burn Center for emergency treatment.

Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was involved in an altercation with Garcia inside the residence. Witnesses reported Garcia threw a chemical substance on the victim before fleeing the scene prior to deputies' arrival.

Investigators processed the scene and collected evidence. Due to concerns regarding the unknown substance involved, Berkeley County HAZMAT personnel and fire officials responded to assist in securing the residence and ensuring the safety of those on scene.

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division and Forensics Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

Garcia was booked into the Hill-Finklea Detention Center. Her bond was denied at bond court.