Man detained by police during S.C. church shooting probe released
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- A man who was detained during the investigation of the deadly shooting at a Charleston church has been released, CBS affiliate WCSC reports.
Austin Rich told the station that he was released around 11:30 p.m. The local photographer was interviewing people in the area about the shooting, which claimed nine lives.
Rich told WCSC that he stopped at a gas station, and when he left the station, a police officer outside took him into custody because he resembled the description of the suspect sought.
Authorities then interviewed him at a hotel and released him.
"They were just doing their job," Austin told WCSC.
He later released the following statement on his Facebook page:
Tonight as many of you may already know I was detained as a suspect for the shooting that took place on downtown Charleston. I want to assure everyone that I am safe and innocent. I was interviewing strangers at the scene when I was mistaken as the shooter because of my grey t shirt, black pants and tan shoes. I was told to get on the ground with my hands up. I laid on my stomach, gentIy placing my camera on the ground. The officers rushed over to handcuff me. I told them to please be easy with my camera and gear as they picked me up off the ground. I understand that the officers were simply doing their job and they did it well. I was compliant and escorted across the street, to the Marriott Courtyard Hotel and then questioned. I gave them the details of where I was and who I was with. They asked several questions, checked my phone records and told me I was clear to go. I am thankful for the professionalism of the officers on duty, and have a tremendous amount of respect for them as well.
Charleston police later identified the suspect as Dylann Storm Roof, 21, of Lexington, South Carolina. He may be driving a black Hyundai, police spokeswoman Barbara Vaughn said.