Lawsuit Alleging Wrongful Death Filed

A wrongful death lawsuit that alleges a suspect “posed no risk to officers or the public” and claims city police officers did not receive sufficient training for use of force has been filed against the City of Clemson on behalf of Gregory Metz.

In February of 2021, Clemson Police responded to Circle K on College Avenue to investigate a reportedly stolen moped. During the investigation, police said a fight ensued between the suspect, Metz, and an officer, who said that Metz showed a gun, and was shot. Metz died at the scene in spite of life saving attempts by officers, who rendered aid to him.

13th Judicial Circuit Solicitor Walter Wilkins reviewed SLED’s files, who investigated the shooting. Wilkins said, in his opinion, there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges.