Slain South Carolina Deputy was Shot Through His Vest by AK-Style Rifle
Several bullets from the weapon similar to an AK-47 killed Deputy Joseph Matuskovic, 43, after they punctured his armor, Sheriff Al Cannon said.
Deputy Joseph Matuskovic (Photo: Charleston County Sheriff's Office)
Officials say that when the Charleston County (S.C.) Sheriff's Office knocked on his door Monday in West Ashley, Michael Donovan Oswald had a military-style rifle in his hands, and he used it to pepper the deputies with bullets. For one lawman's protective vest, the high-velocity rounds were too powerful to handle.
Several bullets from the weapon similar to an AK-47 killed Deputy Joseph Matuskovic, 43, after they punctured his armor, Sheriff Al Cannon told the Charleston Post and Courier Wednesday.
Deputy Michael Ackerman, 43, was wounded by the rifle fire Monday, and an off-duty deputy also was hurt, Cannon said. Ackerman was expected to recover from a knee wound and has been using a walker to get around..
Oswald, 38, died after the authorities fired back through his closed door, hitting him twice.
Related:
Video: 1 Deputy Killed, 1 in Critical Condition in S.C. Standoff
More Patrol
Adept Armor Introduces Two New Rifle Plates
Adept Armor has launched two new Level IV ballistic plates, the Emperor and the Archon Mark 2, which brings Adept Armor’s new Quatroid ceramic to the high-threat, performance-value center of the range at 5.2 pounds.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Benchmade Bailout
The Benchmade Bailout is a slim, lightweight carry knife with a deep-ride pocket clip and comes in a variety of blade steels and scales. Here is a detailed review of the Taiga Green Bailout, released earlier this year.
Read More →
NLEOMF Announces July 2026 Officer of the Month
NLEOMF honored a Michigan deputy sheriff as the July 2026 Officer of the Month for rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle following a Fourth of July crash.
Read More →
Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →