EASLEY — The recording of the 911 call related to an officer involved shooting has been released by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and the tape clearly outlines the events.

The shooting occurred June 26 at approximately 3:20 p.m. at 447 Latham Road in Easley.

Over a span of 12:47 call, the caller, whose name and phone number was redacted from the recording, details for the 911 operator events as they transpired while hiding in a bathroom in the home, beginning with a call for help as a man had been beating on the doors and windows of the home attempting to gain entry.

As Franklin Reed Styles, 18, finally forced his way into the rear of the residence, the female caller retreated to the bathroom for safety. At one point the 911 operator asks if she has a weapon and the caller verified she was in possession of “an AR-15” — just one of the weapons in the home.

The victim can be heard describing Styles’ search of the home in whispers as he walked through the home repeatedly while she remained in hiding. The operator kept the caller as calm as possible, telling the victim “don’t make any noise and let him know where you are.”

Throughout the call the victim kept the operator informed of Styles’ movements including his location in reference to weapons in the home as the victim tells the operator “he’s in with our gun safe now.”

Just over five minutes into the recording, Deputy Michael McClatchy arrived and the operator informed the victim that help was there and he was in the process of gaining entry.

Moments later McClatchy can be heard engaging Styles, followed by shots and the eventual meeting between McClatchy, a second officer who arrived on the scene, and the victim.

Styles was treated at a local hospital and released July 1 when he was formally charged with first-degree burglary, grand larceny, pointing and presenting a firearm, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Prior criminal history for Styles also indicates he was released from the Pickens County Detention Center on April 4 following his arrest on April 5 for two counts of third-degree burglary and two counts of smple larceny. These cases are still pending and have not gone to trial as of this date.

Styles was also charged with an unrelated incident of third-degree assault and battery by mob in relation to a June 12 incident.

Sheriff Rick Clark returned McClatchy to full active duty on June 29 after the agency’s internal investigation determined that the deputy’s use of force was within policy.

“Our agency has reviewed the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident involving the use of deadly force and I concur with the findings that Deputy Mike McClatchy was justified and within policy in his decision to discharge his service weapon for the protection of his own life,” Clark said.

“Furthermore, the deputy should be commended for he made the decision to enter the residence without backup knowing that an intruder was inside,” Clark added. “He made this decision out of concern for the safety of the female homeowner that was hiding in a nearby bathroom as the suspect was retrieving multiple weapons from a gunsafe in close proximity to the bathroom.”

Franklin Reed Styles remains in the Pickens County Detention Center without bond on charges in connection with a June 26 home invasion on Latham Road in Easley. Styles was treated and released from an area hospital after being shot by a Pickens County deputy who responded to the call and encountered Styles in the home.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_PCSOfranklinreedstyles.jpgFranklin Reed Styles remains in the Pickens County Detention Center without bond on charges in connection with a June 26 home invasion on Latham Road in Easley. Styles was treated and released from an area hospital after being shot by a Pickens County deputy who responded to the call and encountered Styles in the home. Courtesy photo

By D. C. Moody

dmoody@civitasmedia.com

Reach D. C Moody at 864-855-0355.