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For the second time in as many weeks, news has come of a strange violent incident on St. Helena Island.
An incident unfolded at a migrant camp and, in a nutshell, 25-year-old Rafael Solano was allegedly dragged from his home by three other men, and in what police say they believe was self defense, Solano grabbed a machete to defend himself and lightly injured one man, severed the finger of another, and sent on man to MUSC in Charleston with serious injuries.
Below are more details from a sheriff's office release:
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is investigating an incident on Storyteller Rd that left four men injured early yesterday morning.
At approximately 4:30 am yesterday, Sheriff's deputies responded to a reported stabbing at 53 Storyteller Rd. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with four men, all suffering from various injuries. According to witnesses, the men had been drinking alcohol and were intoxicated when an altercation broke out. Three of the subjects attacked the forth man, 25-year old Rafael Solano, until the fight was broken up by several bystanders.
Following the initial fight, Solano went home and the other three men departed. However, a short time later, the three returned, this time entering Solano's home and dragging him back outside. In an effort to free himself, Solano grabbed what is believed to have been a machete and began swinging at his attackers.
Each of Solano's attackers sustained apparent knife wounds and were transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital for treatment. Twenty-three year old Geraldo Lopez was treated and released for several lacerations. He has since been arrested on one count of 1st degree Burglary and 1st degree Assault and Battery by Mob. The remaining two men suffered more severe injuries requiring continued treatment. One has been transported to MUSC for head injury. The other is being treated locally for various lacerations, including a severed finger.
Additional arrests are expected, pending the recovery and release of the remaining subjects. At this time, no charges are pending against Solano, as it is believed that he acted out of self defense.
The investigation remains active, and further information may be released as it becomes available.
