An alleged trespasser held South Carolina police at bay for nearly five hours on Saturday — only for detectives to find a body in the backyard after the suspect surrendered.
York County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a home on Tom Barber Road south of Rock Hill. The trespasser was identified as Prince Demario Barber, 37, who returned to his own home not far away.
When deputies arrived just after 8 a.m., Barber reportedly fired at the them, and one deputy returned fire. No one was shot, although one deputy was lightly injured and continued to work until he was relieved, the sheriff’s office said.
Negotiators convinced Barber to surrender at about 12:40 p.m. and took him into custody.
But while securing the house, deputies found the body of an unidentified person in the backyard. The sheriff’s office is investigating the death they said was “possibly” related with the standoff.
“We are thankful that this incident was resolved peacefully and without great harm to our officers or the suspect,” said Sheriff Kevin Tolson. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and our officers.”
According to jail records, Barber has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of murder and was denied bond. Detectives have released no further information about the incident.
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[Featured image: Prince Demario Barber/York County Detention Center]
