Monday, July 6, 2015

Young South Carolina Police Officer Commits Suicide: Dustin Ryan Shuler, 21, died from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head

Community grieves loss of Honea Path PD employee

Jul 06, 2015 2:03 PM EST
Dustin Shuler (Source: Parker-White-Pruitt Funeral Home)
 
WARE SHOALS, SC (FOX Carolina) - 
 The Laurens County Sheriff's Office said it appears a new police officer died at his own hands.

Lt. Judy Stiles with the Laurens County Sheriff's Office said Dustin Ryan Shuler died from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to autopsy results.

Laurens County Coroner Nick Nichols said Shuler, 21, died at a residence on Harmony Road in Ware Shoals on Saturday.

According to Shuler's obituary from Parker-White-Pruitt Funeral Home, Shuler was employed with the Honea Path Police Department. He graduated in 2014 from Piedmont Tech with a degree in Criminal Justice.

The Honea Path Police Department issued a statement that said Shuler began his employment with the department on July 3.  They learned about his death on July 4.

"We have known Dustin for sometime as he was a ride-along for the past several months as part of his criminal justice degree.  Dustin was enthusiastic about a career in law enforcement and this department was excited about his future with us," according to the statement from Honea Path police.