Shia Lee, a resident of Burlington, North Carolina, has admitted guilt to brandishing a firearm during the armed carjacking of an off-duty South Carolina police detective and his wife. The incident occurred on December 19, 2020, when the couple was switching drivers on Interstate 26 in Orangeburg.
Court evidence detailed that Lee approached the vehicle's driver side and demanded the car. When the victim resisted, Lee displayed a firearm and ordered her out of the vehicle. Complying under threat, she exited. Lee then confronted the detective in the passenger seat with what appeared to be a 9mm or .380 caliber pistol. After both victims left the vehicle, Lee drove away with their Jeep Cherokee, which contained the officer’s duty weapon and badge.
The following day, authorities were alerted to another alleged vehicle theft at a Branchville gas station while its owner was inside. Lee was apprehended after being pursued by Denmark Police Department officers who used stop sticks to halt him. The stolen Jeep was later found abandoned.
Victims identified Lee from a photo lineup and he confessed his involvement to deputies from Orangeburg County. A federal grand jury charged him with carjacking and using a firearm in connection with violent crime.
Lee could face life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of seven years plus potential fines up to $250,000 and restitution for victim losses. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis will determine sentencing after reviewing reports from the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. It emphasizes trust-building within communities and strategic enforcement priorities.
The FBI Columbia Field Office led investigations alongside Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office and Denmark Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels is handling prosecution duties.