SLED Charges Hampton Police Chief with Assault, 3rd Degree Battery
In a shocking revelation, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has charged Perry McAlhaney, the chief of Hampton Police, with assault and battery 3rd degree. According to a warrant released by the law enforcement division, the police chief was involved in a tumultuous confrontation that led to the charges.
Circumstances Leading to the Charges
The warrant specifies that on November 4, 2023, the victim was present on a Hampton property, from where he was conducting a hunting session from a deer stand elevated in a tree. The victim confirmed he had lawfully paid the property owner around $500 for the right to access and utilize the property. However, trouble ensued when McAlhaney arrived at the scene and accused the hunter of trespassing.
The Incident and Arrest
In a bewildering turn of events, McAlhaney retrieved a chainsaw and initiated an attempt to cut down the tree the alleged trespasser was in. Reportedly angered by the victim’s presence, McAlhaney ignored the victim’s protests, causing panic and fear for personal safety. The entire incident was captured on video by the victim, who later handed the footage over to SLED as evidence of the police chief’s assault.
Subsequently, McAlhaney was interrogated by SLED, where he provided a statement acknowledging his attempt to fell the tree while the victim was still perched in the deer stand. Confirming the course of events and the submitted video evidence, SLED charged McAlhaney with assault and battery 3rd degree.
Current Status of the Case
McAlhaney has since been booked into the Hampton County Detention Center, pending further legal actions.
Implications for Community and Police Relations
This incident has ricocheted through the community, raising concerns over police actions and their implications for community trust. As the case evolves, it undoubtedly puts the spotlight on police conduct, integrity, and how law enforcement officers should behave both on and off-duty. It underlines the responsibility law enforcement personnel bear to uphold the standard of law they swear to serve and protect.
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
