SPARTANBURG (AP) -- A South Carolina businessman has been shot and killed after sheriff's deputies say he held up a convenience store and then pulled a gun on officers.
Multiple media outlets reported that 51-year-old Billy Gowan of Inman was shot to death by deputies on a Spartanburg city street late Sunday morning.
Deputies say Gowan held up a store at gunpoint Sunday, stole the clerk's car and pointed a rifle at officers during the chase. Sheriff Chuck Wright says Gowan refused orders to drop his gun and pointed it at deputies who then shot him. Wright says his officers had no choice but to fire.
The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating.
Neighbors say Gowan and his wife owned a book store in nearby Boiling Springs.
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