A South Carolina sheriff whose deputy was shot in the face says the suspect captured today in southwest Virginia has a lengthy criminal record and should not have been free to begin with. Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright says the justice system failed Deputy Brad James, and he called upon his county’s residents to arm and protect themselves. More on that from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/11-07-SC-Sheriff-Wrap1-WEB1.mp3|titles=11-07 SC Sheriff Wrap1-WEB](Continue reading for full information from both Carroll County, Virginia and Spartanburg County, South Carolina.
HILLSVILLE, Va. (AP) _ Authorities say three suspects in the shooting of a South Carolina deputy in rural Virginia have been arrested after a chase and crash.
Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright said Monday afternoon that the suspected shooter, Robert Odell Brown, was shot during the chase near Hillsville, Va., and is in the hospital. He will be charged with attempted murder. The sheriff says two others who helped Brown escape are being charged as accessories.
Wright says Deputy Brad James was shot near his right eye and in the hip trying to pull a driver over late Sunday night. James has lost sight in one eye, but the sheriff said the wounds were not life-threatening.
Wright says Brown has a long criminal record. It wasn’t clear Monday if he has a lawyer.
