Florence mayor, council and police urge community action after shooting; police announce arrest warrant and technology use

Mayor (name not specified) and Florence City Council members held a press conference Oct. 26 to address a recent shooting and appeal for community help to reduce gun violence.

The mayor opened the event by calling for community involvement and urging local leaders, club owners and faith leaders to intervene with young people at risk. "We are with you. We are you," the mayor said, adding that "too many of us are picking up guns before picking up wisdom or a vision for our future." The mayor said the city will pursue partnerships with churches, neighborhood groups and other local institutions and announced plans for a summer camp and incentives for police to improve officer retention.

Florence City Police Chief Heidler provided an operational update on a shooting in the 100 block of East Rough Orchard Street, saying investigators have secured a warrant for Floyd Anthony Dingle, also known as "Mookie." Chief Heidler said Dingle faces charges including attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and breach of peace (high and aggravated). "His victim is clinging to life. He's in critical condition," Heidler said.

Heidler described recent enforcement results tied to technology and a regional task force. "From that point until March of this year... we arrested 48 fugitives utilizing Flock," Heidler said, adding that the department recovered 38 stolen vehicles, 35 stolen tags, located seven missing people and resolved more than 20 criminal cases with Flock cameras. Heidler said Florence and the sheriff's office use Flock (automatic tag-reading) cameras and will begin a first-responder drone program in early summer to assist patrols.

Officials said the city and sheriff's office operate a violent-crime task force that received recognition in 2023 and 2024 for gun recoveries. Council members and the mayor stressed that policing alone cannot stop the violence. Councilman McCall said the city will review its judicial appointments and told reporters the council will press for tougher handling of repeat violent offenders when judges and magistrates are reviewed. "We review our judges, as they come up," McCall said.

Speakers addressed local bond-setting practice and judicial independence. A council member explained that murder and first-degree burglary are generally the only charges for which bond cannot be set locally, and that attempted murder charges can result in bond. Officials said they plan a comprehensive review of local bond-setting outcomes but repeatedly emphasized that courts retain judicial independence.

The police also described a victim-protection program that can shield victims' identifying information through prosecution. Chief Heidler gave a nonemergency reporting number for the Florence Police Department, (843) 665-3124, and urged residents to report suspicious activity, even anonymously. "You don't have to give your name," Heidler said, encouraging descriptions of suspicious people or incidents to put officers in the area.

Councilmember George Gebayo reiterated the council's commitment to a five-point plan and called for broad community involvement. Council members and staff emphasized neighborhood watch participation, community policing, faith-leader partnerships and targeted outreach to known repeat offenders.

Officials closed by urging the public to report crimes and to support the announced community efforts. The mayor thanked faith leaders present at the conference and said the city will pursue the partnerships and programs discussed.