A deadly confrontation unfolded on Johns Island early Wednesday morning after what began as a routine shots-fired call escalated into a fatal officer-involved shooting, authorities confirmed.
The incident, which occurred shortly after midnight on February 11, 2026, claimed the life of 34-year-old Floriberto Perez-Nieto following an exchange of gunfire with Charleston County deputies. This marks the fourth officer-involved shooting resulting in a fatality in South Carolina so far this year.
According to law enforcement officials, deputies responded to reports of shots fired on Johns Island when the situation quickly deteriorated. During the encounter, Perez-Nieto allegedly fired at deputies, striking one officer in the chest. The deputy was protected by a bulletproof vest, while other officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.
What began as a late-night disturbance call soon revealed a more complex situation. Department of Homeland Security officials later identified Perez-Nieto as “a criminal illegal immigrant” from Mexico with a history of immigration violations, including a prior deportation and a felony illegal re-entry conviction.
Immigration History Surfaces
Records show Perez-Nieto had been previously removed from the United States on February 20, 2019. However, he subsequently re-entered the country illegally at an unknown date and location — itself a federal offense under U.S. immigration law.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken over the investigation, as is standard procedure for all officer-involved shootings in the state. Authorities haven’t yet released details about what initially prompted the shots-fired call that brought deputies to the area.
The wounded deputy, whose name hasn’t been released, was evaluated at a local hospital and later discharged. “It could’ve ended much differently,” a law enforcement source familiar with the case told reporters off the record. “That vest saved a life last night.”
This incident comes amid ongoing national debates about immigration enforcement and public safety. Local officials have declined to speculate on whether stricter immigration enforcement might have prevented the confrontation.
The investigation remains active as SLED continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Officials expect to release additional details, including body camera footage, once the preliminary investigation is complete.
