News Summary
Deputy Devin Mason of Darlington County was tragically killed in an ambush during an arrest attempt early on July 1. The 27-year-old deputy was shot while trying to apprehend a suspect with active warrants. His death has left the community mourning and reflects the dangers faced by law enforcement. A second deputy was injured but is expected to recover. The suspect, along with an accomplice, has been arrested and charged with various crimes. The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging the community to support Mason’s family during this difficult time.
Darlington County Deputy Devin Mason Killed in Ambush During Arrest Attempt
A Darlington County Sheriff’s deputy, Devin Mason, was fatally shot during an officer-involved incident early on July 1, 2025. The 27-year-old deputy was involved in an encounter at a residence on Old Timers Court in the Lamar area around 1:30 a.m.
Deputy Mason had recently completed his field training and graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy earlier in 2025. According to the sheriff, he served with exceptional dedication and will be remembered for his commitment to the community.
During the incident, Mason was ambushed by the suspect, Cameron Ray Dennett, 25, who opened fire on the two deputies. Mason sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead as a result of the encounter. A second deputy involved in the shooting was hospitalized but is expected to recover.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, Deputy Mason and his partner were attempting to apprehend Dennett, who had active warrants for various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, forgery, and second-degree computer act. Notably, Dennett was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his criminal history.
In addition to Dennett’s arrest, police detained a 28-year-old woman identified as Kristin Porter at the scene. Porter faces charges related to similar criminal activities. Both Dennett and Porter were wanted in connection with allegations of defrauding victims in Florence County, involving the misuse of bank routing and account numbers.
Details emerged indicating that Dennett was accused of defrauding a victim of $373.48, while Porter allegedly stole a total of $2,907.98 from multiple individuals over time. Following the ambush, law enforcement authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the events surrounding the officer-involved shooting. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is leading this investigation.
Community Response and Support
In the wake of this tragic event, Sheriff Michael August has called on the community to keep Deputy Mason’s family, friends, and fellow deputies in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The deep impact of Mason’s loss on the department and the community is being acknowledged widely, with many expressing their condolences.
The immediate aftermath of the shooting has also led to a scheduled bond hearing for Kristin Porter, set to take place in Florence the day after the incident. The atmosphere in Darlington County remains somber as residents reflect on the risks faced by law enforcement personnel.
Context of Events
This incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers encounter while fulfilling their duties within the community. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focusing on the systematic issues involving criminal activities in the region, particularly those related to fraud. The death of Deputy Mason serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those in law enforcement and the real dangers they face during their service.
The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing support for all its deputies and their families as they navigate through this tragic loss.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- WMBF News
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- Google Search: South Carolina Officer Involved Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence 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 the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
