No Charges in Tamassee Shooting

Oconee Sheriff’s department investigated the Tuesday shooting incident in the Tamassee Area. Investigators say the incident was self defense. According to witnesses, 41 year old Bradley Payne of Walhalla was standing outside the front door of the home at 105 Burrell Drive, in Tamassee. According to the Sheriff’s department, witnesses say Payne was threatening the homeowner. The homeowner retrieved a pistol and yelled for Mr. Payne to not enter the home. Witnesses say Mr. Payne then jerked open the screen door and entered the home. The homeowner shot Mr. Payne in the hip after he was inside the residence. The homeowner then called 911 and waited on deputies to arrive on scene. Evidence at the scene corroborated the homeowner and witness accounts of what took place. Sheriff Crenshaw stated “no criminal charges will be filed against the individual who shot Mr. Payne. South Carolina law is very clear in stating a man’s home is his castle. A homeowner has the right to protect themselves if they fear their life is in imminent danger.  Investigators are looking into whether or not charges will be pressed against Mr. Payne for entering the home unlawfully.