SLED investigating apparent officer suicide

WALTERBORO — The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating the apparent suicide of a Walterboro police officer, authorities said.

Cpl. Paul Michael Potts, 32, was found dead around midnight, the apparent victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, said Elizabeth L. Boineau, the city’s marketing and public relations consultant. He was off duty at the time.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday morning at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Originally from Mogadore, Ohio, Potts lived in Walterboro, where he served on the force for eight years.

Authorities released very few details about Potts’ death, referring all comment to SLED. Jennifer Timmons, SLED’s communications director, could not immediately be reached for comment.

“We are all saddened by the events of last night,” Walterboro Mayor Bill Young said. “The City of Walterboro offers its heartfelt condolences to Corporal Potts’s family and friends. Anytime something like this happens, we’re at a loss for an explanation. This has been particularly devastating for our public safety officers too, and we ask that you keep them and Corporal Potts’s family in your prayers.”

Check back with www.postandcourier.com for updates on this story.