ROCK HILL, S.C. – A woman was killed on Wednesday afternoon after an altercation escalated into a shooting, but the man who shot her will not face charges, as police have deemed it an act of self-defense.

Rock Hill police were called to the scene on Riverwalk Parkway near Cel River Road around 3:10 p.m., where they discovered a woman with a gunshot wound to the chest.

According to investigators, the incident involved two co-workers from a nearby business. The female co-worker, accompanied by her acquaintance Brittney Reed, 32, confronted the male co-worker after he attempted to leave the area in his vehicle.

Reed used her car to block the man’s vehicle while he was in traffic. The female co-worker then approached the man’s passenger side window and drew a gun. In response, the man pulled out his own firearm and shot her, police reported.

Following the shooting, Reed allegedly punched the man in the face before he yelled at her to leave. She complied, and the man waited for the authorities to arrive. The female co-worker was transported to Piedmont Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Police recovered two handguns from the scene and confirmed that Reed was charged with assault and battery.

“Based on the factors, the male is not being charged as the shooting was in self-defense,” Rock Hill police stated.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather information about the events leading up to the shooting.

This incident underscores the importance of being prepared to defend oneself. The male co-worker’s ability to respond quickly to a life-threatening situation likely prevented further harm. While the details of the disagreement remain unclear, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for self-defense in unpredictable and dangerous situations.