By CJ Westfall, CJ@SummervilleNews.net
Published: August 29th, 2024
The Summerville Police Department announced that two of its officers, Sergeant Kathryn Kirkland and Corporal Dante Ghi, have been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing following an incident in April involving the arrest of a 13-year-old boy outside a Walmart on North Main Street. The boy was selling Palmetto roses without a business license, leading to a confrontation that quickly escalated.
The incident occurred on April 1, 2024, when the officers noticed the boy and another individual selling roses near the store’s entrance. According to the police report, the officers used their public address system to instruct the boys to move along, as they were violating a Summerville town ordinance by selling without a permit. While one of the boys complied, the other began cursing at the officers and resisted when they attempted to detain him. The situation intensified when the boy struck Sgt. Kirkland in the face, injuring her eye. The boy was eventually subdued and released to his mother. Due to his age, his name has not been released, but he is facing charges.
A video of the arrest circulated on social media shortly after the incident, sparking public outcry and calls for a thorough investigation. In response, the Summerville Police Department's Office of Professional Standards conducted an internal review, which initially cleared both officers. However, Chief Douglas Wright requested an independent review by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to ensure impartiality.
On August 14, SLED completed its investigation and forwarded the findings to Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, whose Family Court Division was handling the juvenile's prosecution. Despite the case not meeting the criteria for her office’s "Officer Involved Critical Incident Guidelines," Wilson agreed to review the matter for any potential criminal wrongdoing by the officers.
In a letter dated August 27, 2024, Wilson informed the Summerville Police Department that she had found no evidence of criminal conduct by Sgt. Kirkland or Cpl. Ghi. Wilson’s review concluded that the officers had probable cause to arrest the boy, and that the use of force was justified given the circumstances. She noted that while there might be differing opinions on how the situation was handled, her sole responsibility was to determine if any crimes were committed, and in this case, none were.
Chief Wright expressed his pride in the department’s officers and emphasized their ongoing commitment to enforcing town ordinances and state laws. “Our officers have continued educating citizens and enforcing our town ordinances and state laws daily,” Wright said. He also highlighted the department’s efforts to engage with the community, particularly through the Palmetto Artisan Program Extension, which encourages dialogue and understanding between the police and local youth.
Both officers involved in the incident have longstanding records of service in the community. Sgt. Kirkland is a founding member of the Dignity Project, an initiative that fosters communication and collaboration between the police and community members. Cpl. Ghi is set to join the project, furthering the department’s commitment to building positive relationships within Summerville.
Chief Wright concluded by thanking SLED, Solicitor Wilson, and the community for their patience and support throughout the investigation. “We are committed to professionalism and excellence in policing, and we will continue to provide transparency to the community we serve,” Wright stated.
The Summerville Police Department’s handling of this incident underscores the complexities and challenges of law enforcement, especially in cases involving minors. As the town continues to grow and evolve, the department remains focused on maintaining public safety while fostering trust and cooperation within the community.
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