Florence County, September 28, 2025
News Summary
A standoff in Florence County ended without further violence when a woman escaped after allegedly being assaulted. In a separate incident, police seized 19 counterfeit checks worth $7.3 million during a traffic stop. Local authorities are actively pursuing the male suspect in the standoff while addressing the serious cases of counterfeiting.
Florence County Standoff Ends Without Further Violence; Counterfeit Checks Seized During Traffic Stop
This morning, a standoff in Florence County concluded safely when a woman escaped after allegedly being assaulted by a male relative. The incident took place on Mack’s Lake Road in the Johnsonville area, prompting the deployment of local SWAT teams. Authorities confirmed the woman is expected to recover following her escape, while the male suspect remains at large but has been identified by law enforcement.
The Florence County Sheriff, T. J. Joye, reported details of the standoff and the subsequent search for the suspect, who refused to leave the home. Officers are actively pursuing the individual, although, at this time, he has not been apprehended.
In a separate incident yesterday, a traffic stop by the Florence Police Department led to the discovery of 19 counterfeit checks totaling a staggering $7.3 million. Officers had initiated the stop based on alerts from a special license plate reader camera, which flagged a stolen license tag. During the operation, they also confiscated multiple additional out-of-state license tags, of which two were confirmed as stolen.
The driver, identified as 34-year-old Byron Antwan Black from Florence, has been charged with 19 counts of possession of counterfeit checks and three counts of possession of stolen goods. Following his arrest, Black was booked at the Florence County Detention Center but was released on a $6,000 bond the next day.
Incident Details
Standoff in Johnsonville
The standoff began early this morning in Johnsonville, where the male suspect allegedly attacked a female relative. The quick response from the SWAT team ensured that no further violence occurred during the incident. While the woman has escaped safely, the suspect remains unlocated; however, authorities are confident in tracking him due to having his identity.
Traffic Stop and Counterfeit Checks
In a different scenario just a day prior, the Florence Police Department successfully executed a traffic stop after receiving alerts about a stolen license plate. The stop revealed a significant amount of counterfeit checks along with stolen license tags in the vehicle. Black’s arrest raises concerns over fraudulent activities within the region.
Community Impact and Responses
The sheriff’s office underscored the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in incidents involving domestic violence and criminal activities, highlighting the crucial role of technological tools like license plate readers that assist in law enforcement efforts. Local authorities are emphasizing the need for recovery and support of victims involved in domestic assaults, while criminal cases pertaining to counterfeiting are also being actively addressed.
Background Context
Florence County is located in South Carolina and has experienced its share of crime-related incidents. The cooperation between the Sheriff’s office and local police forces exemplifies a unified front against such criminal activities. The SWAT team and police have enhanced their capabilities in managing violent situations while simultaneously tackling other emergent issues like fraud and theft within the community.
FAQs
What occurred during the standoff in Florence County?
A domestic incident occurred where a man assaulted a female relative and refused to leave the home, leading to a police standoff which ended safely.
What was found during the traffic stop involving Byron Antwan Black?
Officers discovered 19 counterfeit checks totaling $7.3 million and multiple stolen license tags during the traffic stop.
What charges has Byron Antwan Black faced?
He has been charged with 19 counts of possession of counterfeit checks and 3 counts of possession of stolen goods.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Standoff Location | Mack’s Lake Road, Johnsonville, Florence County |
| Suspect Identified | Male relative who assaulted a woman |
| SWAT Team Deployment | Yes, for safe resolution of standoff |
| Traffic Stop Location | Pee Dee region, Florence |
| Counterfeit Checks Seized | 19 checks totaling $7.3 million |
| Charges Against Driver | 19 counts of possession of counterfeit checks; 3 counts of possession of stolen goods |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Deadly Standoff in Florence County Ends with Deputy Shooting
Florence County Confrontation Results in Fatal Shooting
Investigation Underway Following Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in Dillon County
Dillon County Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation
Shootout Leads to Arrests in Road Rage Incident in Florence County
Man Arrested After Shooting Gun in His Yard in Florence, SC
Man Arrested for Domestic Violence in Florence, SC
Florence County Deputy Fatally Injured in Car Accident
Tragic Loss of Deputy in Traffic Accident
Tragic Death of Florence County Deputy in Accident
Additional Resources
- WPDE: Standoff in Florence County
- Wikipedia: Florence County, South Carolina
- WMBF News: Stolen Checks in Florence
- Google Search: Florence County
- WPDE: Counterfeit Checks Found
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Counterfeit
- WBTW: Woman Caught Stealing Tickets
- Google News: Florence County Crime
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.
