Allan Josue Topete-Guevara, Man identified following fatal encounter with York County deputies.
Authorities have released the identity of a man who died during an encounter with law enforcement in York County late last month. The incident occurred at a residence in Fort Mill and remains under investigation by state officials, according to law enforcement statements.
The York County Sheriff’s Office identified the individual as Allan Josue Topete-Guevara, 22. Deputies responded to a home on Pine Ridge Court on Friday, January 30, after receiving a call reporting a person who was believed to be unconscious inside the residence. When deputies arrived, officials said they found Topete-Guevara awake and in possession of a weapon.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies attempted to assess the situation and secure the scene. During their response, Topete-Guevara reportedly retreated into a room inside the home and remained there for a period of time. Law enforcement officials said efforts were made to manage the situation and bring it to a safe resolution.
Authorities stated that at some point during the encounter, Topete-Guevara exited the room and moved toward deputies while still armed. Deputies discharged their weapons during the confrontation. Topete-Guevara was pronounced dead at the scene. No further details regarding the sequence of events have been released, and officials have not provided information about injuries to deputies or others.
As is standard procedure in South Carolina, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken over the investigation. SLED is responsible for independently reviewing incidents involving the use of force by law enforcement officers. The agency will examine all available evidence, including witness statements and other documentation, before presenting its findings to the appropriate authorities.
Local officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that no conclusions have been reached at this time. They also noted that it is common for details to be limited in the early stages of such cases to preserve the integrity of the review process.
At this time, no obituary information or funeral arrangements for Allan Josue Topete-Guevara have been publicly released. Family members have not issued a public statement, and officials have asked the community to respect the privacy of those affected as the investigation continues.
Law enforcement leaders reiterated that calls involving medical concerns can sometimes evolve into complex situations, underscoring the challenges officers face when responding to uncertain and potentially dangerous circumstances. They also stressed the importance of allowing the independent investigation to proceed without speculation.
SLED officials have not provided a timeline for the completion of their review. Once the investigation is finished, the findings will be shared with prosecutors, who will determine whether any further action is necessary. Until then, authorities are asking the public to rely on confirmed information from official sources.
The incident remains under active investigation, and updates will be released if and when new, verified information becomes available.
