The Summerville Police Department (SPD) has disclosed the name of the officer involved in the fatal shooting incident on Wednesday.
Identified as Patrolman First Class Anthony DeLustro, the altercation took place near the Chick-fil-A at North Main Street and Azalea Square Boulevard.
The confrontation, which ensued between DeLustro, off-duty at the time, and 39-year-old Michael O’Neal from North Carolina, resulted in O’Neal being fatally shot.
DeLustro sustained injuries from a vehicle and was hospitalized.
As per the SPD, DeLustro commenced his law enforcement journey with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1980, where he served for 22 years until his departure in 2003.
Upon relocating to South Carolina, DeLustro fulfilled roles as a campus officer at Trident Technical College, the College of Charleston, and The Citadel, alongside serving as a deputy with the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) from 2003 to 2022.
According to authorities, DeLustro initially joined the SPD from December 2007 to November 2009, subsequently returning to the department in January 2023.
Summerville Police Chief Douglas R. Wright released a statement regarding the shooting incident.
“On behalf of the Summerville Police Department, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the O’Neal family for the tragic loss of their loved one, Michael,” Wright expressed in his statement.
“Yesterday, I personally spoke with Michael’s parents and offered my heartfelt condolences. Our police officer has been treated and discharged after sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Our deepest prayers are with him and his family during this challenging time.
This incident was distressing for all involved parties. Upon its occurrence, I promptly sought external assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to oversee the investigation, as they are an impartial and independent agency,” he continued. “I want to emphasize that this process requires time.
I urge everyone to remain patient and have faith in the investigative process. Please feel free to reach out to SLED for any further inquiries.
The investigation into the shooting is being conducted by SLED, and DeLustro will remain on administrative leave until its conclusion.
