A rideshare ride in Fort Mill, SC turned violent when a passenger attacked the driver with a stun gun and attempted to strangle him. The driver, lawfully armed, shot the attacker in self-defense. No charges will be filed.

LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE

FORT MILL, SC (2-minute read) — Authorities in York County have decided not to press charges following a fatal self-defense shooting at a Motel 6 in Fort Mill, South Carolina, early in the morning of July 27.

According to the York County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call at 3:32 a.m. regarding a shooting in the parking lot of the Motel 6 on Carowinds Boulevard. When they arrived, they discovered that 39-year-old Kendale Richardson Williams of North Carolina had been shot. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies detained the shooter, a rideshare driver who had picked up Williams as a passenger and brought him to the motel. After conducting an investigation, authorities concluded that Williams initiated a violent assault inside the vehicle before the shooting occurred.

Self-Defense Confirmed After Violent Assault

Investigators reported that while still in the rideshare vehicle, Williams used a stun gun on the driver and then tried to strangle him. The driver, who legally carried a concealed firearm, responded to the life-threatening situation by drawing and firing his firearm.

The driver remained on scene and fully cooperated with law enforcement. Following an evidence review, the case was presented to the Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Based on all available information, the Solicitor’s Office determined that the shooting was justified under South Carolina’s self-defense laws. As a result, no criminal charges will be filed.

This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of personal safety for rideshare drivers, who often work alone and encounter strangers daily. For those who carry concealed, this serves as a reminder of the importance of being trained, legally permitted, and mentally prepared to respond if threatened.

Safety Tip: If you legally carry a concealed firearm, regularly train with it and understand your state’s self-defense laws. A calm, educated response in a crisis can save your life, and protect you legally.