FORT MILL, S.C. – The York County Coroner’s Office has released the identity of the man who died following a confrontation with deputies at a Fort Mill home late last week. Officials identified the deceased as 22-year-old Allen Josue Topete-Guevara of Fort Mill.
The incident occurred on the morning of Friday, January 30, 2026, when York County deputies were dispatched to a residence on Pine Ridge Court. The initial call to law enforcement reported a person who was unconscious and not breathing.
According to the York County Sheriff’s Office, the situation evolved rapidly upon the deputies’ arrival. Authorities stated that when they entered the home, the subject was conscious and armed with a knife. He reportedly retreated into a room and barricaded the door.
Law enforcement personnel on the scene instructed Topete-Guevara to drop the weapon and exit the room. The Sheriff’s Office reported that the man eventually opened the door but did not relinquish the knife. Instead, he allegedly charged toward a deputy. In response to the threat, the deputy discharged their service weapon, fatally wounding the man.
No law enforcement officers were physically injured during the altercation.
In accordance with standard protocol for officer-involved shootings, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been requested to lead the investigation into the incident. The deputy involved has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The investigation remains active, and further details regarding the findings will be released by state investigators as they become available.
The family of Allan Josue Topete-Guevara has created a GoFundMe to help with the costs of repatriating his body to Honduras and covering funeral expenses GoFundMe
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
