Illegal immigrant with prior deportation shoots deputy in chest, dies after exchange: DHS
Floriberto Perez-Nieto was killed after opening fire during traffic stop on Johns Island, authorities say
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FIRST ON FOX: A man accused of shooting a South Carolina deputy in the chest during an early-morning traffic stop has been identified as a criminal illegal immigrant with a prior deportation and felony illegal re-entry conviction, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
DHS officials told Fox News Digital that Charleston County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a call for shots fired shortly after 9 p.m. on Feb. 10 on Johns Island.
They were unable to find the suspect, later identified as Floriberto Perez-Nieto, a criminal illegal immigrant from Mexico.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}At about 3 a.m. the next day, deputies received another call from the same person, who reported Perez-Nieto had returned to the area.
Floriberto Perez-Nieto was killed after allegedly shooting a South Carolina Deputy. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Deputies spotted Perez-Nieto's car and attempted to pull him over, but he tried to evade arrest and shot one of the deputies in the chest, according to authorities.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Other deputies returned fire and Perez-Nieto was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
DHS officials said the deputy who was shot in the chest was wearing body armor.
Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie speaks during a news conference. (Charleston County Sheriff's Office via X)
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"This criminal illegal alien illegally obtained a firearm and nearly killed a law enforcement officer," DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital. "Thankfully, the officer’s body armor saved his life. There could have been quite a different tragic outcome for this officer and his family."
The deputy who was shot has not yet been publicly identified by authorities.
Perez-Nieto was previously arrested after he illegally entered the U.S. from Mexico, at an unknown date and location, and without inspection by an immigration official, according to DHS.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}It is unclear when Floriberto Perez-Nieto illegally crossed the U.S. border. (Christian Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images)
He was subsequently removed from the U.S. on Feb. 20, 2019.
Officials said he committed a felony by illegally re-entering the country at an unknown date and time.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}It is unclear where Perez-Nieto allegedly obtained the firearm.
The CCSO professional standards division will conduct an internal investigation related to the shooting.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, pending further review, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was immediately notified, responded to the scene and will lead the investigation.