Spartanburg County deputies release name of SMC officers connected to fatal

The officer who is white, was placed under routine paid administrative leave and has not been named, police said.

The officers were checking on reports of auto break ins Monday night when they found Simmons and another man stealing from vehicles, authorities have said.

The college said it will have a special ceremony at noon Thursday at the Curtis Administration Building to remember Delvin Tyrell Simmons.

The shooting at Spartanburg Methodist College happened after a campus officer investigated a possible break-in Monday night, said Thom Berry, spokesman for the State Law Enforcement Division.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, the Coroner’s Office said. “Those who taught, worked, and studied with him had great hopes for his future and are deeply saddened by his death. We grieve the diamond that will remain unrealized”. Yarbrough has 15 years of law enforcement experience and was hired by the school September 21, according to the college, which sent a news release through the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.

“This has zero to do with color”, said Wright.

Spartanburg Methodist police department received body camera equipment a few days ago but they were not yet in use, Wright said. Police said Simmons tried to drive far away from the vicinity at speed and got shot when he failed to adhere to verbal commands. Simmons was enrolled as an early childhood education major at Limestone College. Simmons reportedly was involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes program. The account described him as an “all around charming and popular spirit”. “He was a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew and friend”.

Simmons’ uncle says he was an honor student.