DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) -- A 27-year-old Darlington County Sheriff's Office deputy was killed and another deputy injured in an overnight shootout with a suspect, who also was killed, authorities said.
Deputy Devin Mason died from his injuries after he and another deputy were "ambushed" inside a home on Old Timers Court near Lamar, where they went to look for a man wanted on conspiracy and forgery charges, Sheriff Michael August's office said in a news release. The second deputy, whose name has not been released, remains hospitalized in stable condition.
August's office identified the suspect as Cameron Ray Dennett. Deputies also arrested Kristen Porter, 28, at the scene. She was booked into the Florence County Detention Center on criminal conspiracy and forgery charges because of arrest warrants issued there.
"Today, we mourn the loss of one of our own, Deputy Devin Mason," the Darlington County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. "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.”
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said early Tuesday afternoon he would order flags at the Statehouse in Columbia to be flown at half-staff on the day of Mason's funeral, which is still be be determined.
"Early this morning, Darlington County Sheriff's Deputy Devin Mason was tragically killed in the line of duty," McMaster said in a statement. "Please join Peggy and me in praying for his friends, family, and the entire Darlington County community. In honor of his service and sacrifice, I will order the flags above the Statehouse to be lowered to half-staff on the day of his funeral."
Mason is the second Darlington County Sheriff's Office officer killed in the line of duty, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page website. Sheriff Alton Grinnell died in an automobile crash on July 11, 1945.
Mason graduated in 2017 from West Columbus High School in Columbus County, North Carolina, where he played football. The WCHS Viking EndZone Club posted about his death on Tuesday.
"Devin tragically passed away in the line of duty with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Department early this morning," the post said. "Devin was a model student athlete and an overall great person. Devin and his fiancée recently welcomed their first child into the world this past April. Please keep this family in your prayers in the days, weeks and months ahead."
Condolences also poured in Tuesday morning from other law enforcement agencies and first responders across the Pee Dee and Grand Strand, including the Hartsville Police Department.
"The Hartsville Police Department SC and the entire community extend our deepest condolences to the Darlington County Sheriff's Office following the loss of Deputy Devin Mason, as well as to the family and friends of Deputy Mason.
"Deputy Mason’s service and dedication to protecting our community will never be forgotten. His commitment to duty and the safety of others reflects the very best of law enforcement. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at DCSO as they mourn this profound loss. To Deputy Mason’s loved ones, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. May his memory live on as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice he so selflessly gave. Rest in peace, Deputy Mason. We will carry your legacy forward."
The neighboring Marlboro County Sheriff's Office extended its "deepest sympathies" in a Facebook post.
"Sheriff Larry McNeil and the entire staff extend their deepest sympathies to the law enforcement family of the Darlington County Sheriff's Office. May we find strength in our unity and collectively uplift those affected by this senseless act."
The Marion County Sheriff's Office offered similar sentiments.
"Sheriff Brian Wallace and his entire staff at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office extend their condolences and support to the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office as well as to the families of Deputy Mason," the department said. "We lift up prayers of healing on behalf the injured deputy. We stand with you today and in the days ahead."
Dillon County Sheriff Jamie Hamilton offered his department's condolences as well.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the Darlington County Sheriff's Office and the community," Hamilton said. "Such a tragedy is a reminder of our law enforcement's sacrifice on a daily basis. We are here for you Darlington County Sheriff's Office."
Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye's office posted "heartfelt condolences" on Facebook.
"Sheriff TJ Joye and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office send our heartfelt condolences to the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, after their deputy was tragically killed in the line of duty last night," the department said on Facebook. "The Florence County Sheriff’s Office is praying for the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and the family of the fallen deputy."
Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver's office offered similar remarks in a Facebook post.
"Sheriff Carter Weaver and the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office send our condolences to [the] Darlington County Sheriff's Office, after their deputy was killed in the line of duty last night," the post said. "We pray for the family of the man who paid the ultimate price while serving his community."
Representatives from the fire and rescue communities also posted about Mason's death.
"The Lake City Fire Department extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow deputies of Deputy Devin Mason, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty early this morning. We stand in solidarity with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office during this incredibly difficult time. Deputy Mason made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting his community, and his courage and dedication will never be forgotten. We also send our prayers and support to the deputy who was injured and wish them a full and speedy recovery. To our brothers and sisters in law enforcement—know that your fire service family stands with you."
In a Facebook post, North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue said: "Our prayers are with Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and the family of Deputy Mason."
Other agencies with Facebook posts included the Beaufort Police Department, The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office, the Greenville Police Department, the Mount Pleasant Police Department, the Simpsonville Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office and the Walterboro Police Department.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating, which is standard protocol when there is an officer-involved shooting. Count on News13 for updates.
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