On January 17, 2018, tragedy struck York County, South Carolina, as Detective Michael Doty lost his life while heroically responding to a domestic violence call. The fateful night marked an ambush that would forever be etched in the memories of those who knew and admired Detective Doty.
The incident unfolded when dispatchers received a distressing call shortly after 10 p.m. A woman was being actively assaulted by a domestic violence suspect, Christian Thomas McCall, at her home. Detective Doty, along with fellow officers, rushed to the scene to protect the victim and bring the perpetrator to justice.
However, upon their arrival, McCall had already fled the scene, setting in motion a massive manhunt that would grip the entire county. Hours later, McCall resurfaced, firing multiple shots and injuring a K-9 officer. Law enforcement units from across the area converged on the location, determined to capture the armed and dangerous suspect.
In the early hours of January 17th, as the standoff continued, tragedy struck once again. Detective Michael Doty and two other dedicated York County deputies were struck by McCall’s gunfire. Doty was critically injured and transported to a Charlotte hospital, where he fought valiantly but, tragically, succumbed to his injuries. The other injured officers, Sgt. Randy Clinton, Sgt. Buddy Brown, and York police officer Kyle Cummings, managed to recover from their wounds, but the loss of Detective Doty left an indelible void in the hearts of his colleagues and the community he served.
Detective Michael Doty was not just a law enforcement officer; he was a devoted public servant who had dedicated 12 years of his life to protecting and serving the people of York County. He served as an investigator with the county’s drug enforcement unit and was the coordinator of its Law Enforcement Office Narcan program, which aimed to combat the opioid crisis and save lives.
As the manhunt continued, McCall was eventually shot and wounded, leading to his arrest. In May 2018, he pleaded guilty to numerous charges, including murder and three counts of attempted murder, in connection with the events of that fateful night. He was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Detective Doty and received an additional 30 years for each of the attempted murder charges. In a symbolic ruling, the judge ordered these sentences to be served consecutively, adding an extra 110 years to McCall’s imprisonment.
Detective Michael Doty’s sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily while protecting their communities. His commitment to duty, his bravery in the face of danger, and his dedication to making York County a safer place will always be remembered. Detective Doty’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory continues to inspire all those who wear the badge, reminding them of the noble calling they have chosen.
York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson said on X, “If it were to happen all over again and we rewound time and Mike knew what was going to happen, Mike would volunteer to be the one, no doubt in my mind, because that’s the kind of man Mike was.”
