News Summary
An Uber driver named Michael Patrick Dewitt was arrested after allegedly pointing a firearm during an altercation at a gas station on Hilton Head Island. The incident involved a gas station clerk and several intoxicated patrons. Witnesses reported that the harassment prompted the clerk to call 911, leading to Dewitt intervening with his weapon. He faces felony charges that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. This incident raises questions about public safety and the responsibilities of firearm owners in volatile situations.
Hilton Head Island – An Uber driver, Michael Patrick Dewitt, 55, was arrested early Sunday morning outside a gas station on Hilton Head Island, accused of pointing a firearm during a dispute involving several patrons. Dewitt faces two felony counts of pointing and presenting a firearm, which could result in a prison sentence of up to five years under South Carolina law.
The incident took place just before midnight at the Enmarket convenience store located on Palmetto Bay Road (U.S. 278). Witnesses reported that the gas station clerk, a 43-year-old man from the Beaufort area, was assisting a customer when he was confronted by three intoxicated younger males who entered the store. One of these individuals allegedly harassed a female customer, prompting the clerk to intervene by attempting to escort the aggressive male out of the store. This effort escalated when the clerk was shoved by the suspect.
In response to the incident, the clerk called 911, and four deputies from Beaufort County were dispatched to the scene. While the situation unfolded, Dewitt, who was parked nearby during his shift as an Uber driver, reported that he aimed his pistol at the approaching males out of concern for the clerk’s safety. Dewitt stated that he merely held the firearm “near the window” to deter the men from pursuing the clerk further.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officials found Dewitt cooperative and honest during his arrest. However, the three intoxicated males provided statements indicating they intended to pursue charges against Dewitt for his actions during the altercation. One of the males presented cellphone video evidence showing Dewitt aiming his firearm directly at his friend’s head.
Dewitt was subsequently booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center, from which he was released later that day on a personal recognizance bond set at $15,000. As of Thursday afternoon following his arrest, no lawyer or public defender had been listed for Dewitt in the judicial records.
The Beaufort County detention center had technical difficulties that resulted in a halt to inmate data updates three weeks prior to Dewitt’s arrest, which may contribute to the challenges in obtaining further information regarding his case.
This incident raises concerns regarding public safety and the responsibilities of firearm owners in potentially volatile situations. As the investigation continues, more details may emerge about the circumstances leading up to Dewitt’s decision to draw his weapon and the legal implications of his actions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Uber Driver Arrested on Hilton Head
- Wikipedia: Firearm Laws in the United States
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- Google Search: Public Safety Firearm Use
- Island Packet: Additional Local Crime Articles
- Google Scholar: Firearm Safety Laws
- Fox28: Hilton Head Man Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime and Public Safety
- Island Packet: More Local Crime News
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Crime
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
