A man was shot and killed outside a Dollar General in Sharon, SC, after allegedly assaulting a driver who legally carried a concealed firearm. Authorities ruled the shooting as self-defense and confirmed no charges will be filed.

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SHARON, SC (2-minute read) — A deadly encounter outside a Dollar General store in Sharon, South Carolina, has left a community shaken after a local man was shot and killed during what authorities have confirmed was a self-defense incident.

According to the York County Sheriff’s Office, the confrontation took place last Thursday, involving 69-year-old Joseph Lewis and a 25-year-old man who was legally carrying a concealed firearm. Investigators say Lewis confronted the younger man, allegedly threatened him, and then punched him. The driver, fearing for his safety, responded by shooting Lewis. Lewis later died at the hospital.

While there are rumors that the dispute began over Lewis’s dog, the sheriff’s office has not confirmed the cause of the argument. No additional details have been released as the investigation remains closed without charges being filed.

The local solicitor’s office determined the shooting was a clear case of self-defense. The driver was in lawful possession of the firearm and legally permitted to carry it under South Carolina law.

In South Carolina, individuals who legally carry concealed firearms are protected under the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law, which allows the use of deadly force if they reasonably believe they are in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm. That appears to be the basis for the solicitor’s ruling in this case.

Safety Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings, and if you choose to carry a concealed firearm, understand your state’s self-defense laws thoroughly before an incident occurs.