Greenwood PD Mourns Officer Don “DJ” Keller, First Line-of-Duty Death in 70 Years

The Greenwood community is in mourning after Officer Don “DJ” Keller was killed in the line of duty Monday evening, May 11. Keller, 31, was tragically killed when a vehicle fleeing a high-speed police pursuit slammed head-on into his patrol SUV. This marks the first line-of-duty death for the Greenwood Police Department since 1956.

The fatal collision occurred at approximately 4:56 p.m. near the intersection of East Cambridge Avenue and North Hospital Street. According to authorities, officers were in pursuit of a blue Jeep carrying three teenagers when the suspects' vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic, striking Keller’s patrol unit as he was responding to assist. The impact was so severe that the Jeep caught fire, and Keller was pronounced dead at the scene. His K-9 partner, Vice, was in the vehicle at the time but miraculously escaped injury.

A U.S. Army veteran and member of the South Carolina Army National Guard, Keller had served as a K-9 handler since 2025. He is survived by his wife of ten years, Alison, and their two-year-old daughter. Greenwood Police Chief TJ Chaudoin spoke emotionally about the loss, describing Keller as a man who dedicated his life to protecting others.

The three teenagers in the fleeing vehicle were transported to the hospital with various injuries. The South Carolina Highway Patrol has taken the lead on the investigation into the crash and the circumstances of the pursuit. While the investigation remains active, no formal charges have been announced.

Leaders across the state have offered their condolences, including Governor Henry McMaster, who ordered flags at the Statehouse to fly at half-staff on the day of Keller’s funeral. Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott also honored Keller’s record of service, calling his sacrifice a somber reminder of the daily dangers faced by law enforcement. As the department and a grieving widow face an unimaginable loss, the Greenwood community has begun leaving flowers and notes at the crash site to honor the fallen officer.