DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF/Gray News) – Authorities in South Carolina say a deputy and the suspect who ambushed him died in an officer-involved shooting.
Deputies with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office responded around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday to a home on Old Timers Court in the Lamar area for a wanted person, WMBF reports.
During an “encounter” inside the home, the sheriff’s office said 25-year-old Cameron Dennett ambushed two deputies, leading to an officer-involved shooting. One of the deputies, identified as 27-year-old Devin Mason, died, as did the suspect, according to the sheriff’s office. The other deputy was taken to the hospital but is expected to be OK.
Mason had just completed his field training last week. He graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy earlier this year.
“Very sad,” said one neighbor who lives along Old Timers Court. “We really appreciate the sheriff and the sheriff’s department and all that they do in putting their lives on the line every day. We want to give our love and prayers to their families.”
Sheriff Michael August said in a statement that Mason served “with heart and honor.”
“Though his time with us was far too short, his impact will not be forgotten,” August said. “He demonstrated unwavering dedication, integrity, and professionalism.”
The sheriff’s office said Dennett was wanted on criminal conspiracy, forgery and second-degree computer act charges. He was also not allowed to have a firearm.
At the scene, deputies arrested 28-year-old Kristen Porter on similar charges of forgery, conspiracy and second-degree computer crimes. Authorities booked her Tuesday afternoon into the Florence County Detention Center.
Warrants show Dennett and Porter were wanted out of Florence County for presenting a bank routing number and account number from victims, with the intent to defraud the victims and take their money back in February. The documents show Dennett was able to defraud the victim of $373.48. Meanwhile, warrants state Porter stole $495.56, $1,403.99 and $908.43 from the victims.
Porter is scheduled for a bond hearing Wednesday morning in Florence.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is leading the investigation, which is typical for officer-involved shootings.
August’s full statement on Mason’s death can be read below:
“Today, we mourn the loss of one of our own, Deputy Devin Mason.
This is an incredibly sad day for Devin’s family, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and the entire community we serve. Deputy Mason began his career with our agency in 2024 and graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy on March 28, 2025. He successfully completed his field training last week. In his time with us, he demonstrated unwavering dedication, integrity, and professionalism.
Deputy Mason served the people of Darlington County with heart and honor. Though his time with us was far too short, his impact will not be forgotten.
We ask that you keep Deputy Mason’s family, fellow deputies, and friends in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this difficult time together.
Rest easy, Deputy Mason. We have the watch from here.”
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