The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.
"Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. So often this time of year, we get tied up in all the mundane details of coordinating who is bringing what foods to what dinners and discussions of whether it’s “ok” to have Christmas decorations out yet or not. We talk about being thankful but, at the same time, take so much for granted. This year is very different for us and we realize, on a whole new level, very different for many families who are going through difficult times. Ironman Suspension
"1 Thessalonians 5:16 says “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” What a great reminder to all of us of the importance of being thankful despite our circumstances. No matter what is going on, God’s will for us is to see the silver linings, have a relationship with him, and have hearts of gratitude. Even when the world feels like it is falling apart, we can rejoice and give thanks for the many ways God blesses us. We have so much to be thankful for. We serve an amazing and graciously loving God.
"We are thankful Lucas is alive. We are thankful that he continues to fight and show the doctors signs of progress each day. We are thankful for the deputies who didn’t hesitate and reacted to save Lucas’s life. We are thankful for the outpouring of love and support that our community has shown and continues to show to Lucas, Haley, Eli, and our families.
"We are thankful for the medical team who continues to provide around-the-clock care and celebrates with us in Lucas’s victories. We are thankful that the angiogram the neurovascular team ordered yesterday came back better than expected. We are thankful the ophthalmology team is monitoring his eyes and have a plan for when the time is right. We are thankful for the technologies like EEGs that allow the doctors and nurses to know what’s going on that isn’t always visible.
"And we are forever thankful for you and your prayers. Will you please continue to pray? Will you specifically pray with us
Friday evening (6:50 p.m.) update: Authorities have released the name of a man accused of shooting an Oconee County deputy following a traffic stop Thursday afternoon.
Lt. Ryan Flood, with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office, says Gregory Wayne Maxwell, 50, is facing five counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
The Anderson County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Carrie Miller released a statement on behalf of the shooting incident that involved Cpl. Lucas Watts, saying: “Lucas Watts was employed by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office from 2017-2020. He came in shortly after Sheriff McBride took office. We were the first agency that Lucas worked for and we were very fortunate to have a deputy like him serving Anderson County. Even though he was here for a short period of time, he still made an impact on each and every person he came in contact with. He worked hard and cared for others. We know what an asset he is to Oconee County! We are continuing to pray for him and his recovery, along with his family and friends.”
Flood says investigators found that he shot Cpl. Lucas Watts and engaged in a shootout with additional deputies a short time later.
According to warrants, Maxwell used a rifle.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Thorsland of Oconee County School District, where Watts attended school, released a statement as well regarding Watts, saying: “We are always proud when former students return to serve their community as Corporal Watts has done. We are heartbroken about this tragedy and ask our entire community to join us in praying for a full recovery for Lucas and for his family through this tragic time.”
Maxwell remains in custody at the hospital due to sustaining injuries from at least one gunshot wound from law enforcement, Flood said.
Once Maxwell is discharged from the hospital, he will be formally arraigned.
Dr. Mark Dougherty, the dean of students at Tri-County Technical College, where Watts earned his degree, also released a statement, saying: “Cpl. Lucas Watts is a graduate of Tri-County Technical College. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family and to the entire Oconee County Sheriff’s Office during this difficult time.”
Watts still remains in the hospital.
Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw says Cpl. Lucas Watts, 27, tried to pull a white Chevrolet Silverado over just after 12 p.m. on South Highway 11 at Mount Pleasant Road, but the suspect sped off from the deputy.
According to Crenshaw, the driver of the pickup made his way down Black Bass Road at Shelor Ferry Road, where shots were fired.
Watts was shot, and the driver of the pickup drove away, according to Crenshaw.
RELATED: 'PRAY BIG OCONEE': Oconee County Sheriff's Department asks for prayers after deputy is shot
Crenshaw says Watts was taken to the hospital, where he had surgery.
On Friday, Crenshaw said Watts is stable but in critical condition.
Crenshaw said Watts has served with the sheriff’s office since March of 2020. Lucas came to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for approximately 2 1/2 years.
Watts is currently assigned to the P.A.C.E. (Pro-Active Community Enforcement) team and serves in our Marine Unit.
"Lucas is an outstanding Deputy and professionally serves and protects the citizens of Oconee County," Crenshaw said in a release.
A fund has been set up for Watts and his family through Serve and Connect. Crenshaw says that 100% of funds donated through Serve and Connect will go to Lucas and his family.
“On behalf of the men and women of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, I would like to thank everyone who has prayed for Lucas, his family, our Deputies and all law enforcement at this time,” Crenshaw said. “We have been truly moved by the outpouring of support, which includes the prayer vigil that was held outside of the Law Enforcement Center last night.”
“We ask for continued prayers for Lucas and his family in the days and weeks ahead. If you are able to contribute to the Serve and Connect fund to help his family, I know they would be thankful for any support,” Crenshaw said. “I also want to thank all the law enforcement and public safety agencies who have reached out to the Sheriff’s Office offering their support and those who have, and are helping us, during this difficult time. I want to also thank the paramedics and all the medical professionals who have, and continue, to provide treatment to Lucas both yesterday and today.”
The driver of the pickup was found on Black Bass Road later on and was shot by deputies, according to Crenshaw.
There is no update on the suspect's condition.
The Greenville County Sheriff's Office has also been requested to investigate this incident due to a familial conflict, according to Lt. Ryan Flood with GCSO.
Flood says agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division were not involved in this incident.
For more news, weather 24 hours a day- Download the WYFF News 4 app: Apple | Google Play
Trailing Arm Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.