They didn’t realize that they would end up dodging bullets last month, but that’s what happened when a Tega Cay resident fired off five shots, three of which came “real close” to Breeland. But Neely and Breeland’s lives were spared.
“It was the grace of God,” Breeland said.
That same grace kept others safe during the standoff that lasted more than six hours and jeopardized the safety of three girls and their mother.
“I’m glad that no one was injured and everyone, including the suspect, made it out of the house safe,” Breeland said.
Authorities charged Steven Todd Campbell, 41, with attempted murder, three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child; possession of a weapon during a violent crime and criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature.
Those charges stem from a domestic disturbance call that occurred at his home. Officers were met at the door by Campbell’s wife, who yelled that he had a gun and locked himself in a room with the kids, a police report noted.
One of the girls ran toward Breeland, who with Neely, approached the room where Campbell held the children. The report notes Campbell told officers to, ‘Get the hell out. Leave or I will kill you and everyone in here.’”
That report also notes that Breeland wrote that Campbell said “he was going to shoot me in the head.”
Another child rounded a corner. Then two shots were fired.
More shots followed as Campbell allegedly jumped “from behind the bathroom wall and fired three shots directly at me,” Breeland wrote in the report.
The standoff ended moments later when Breeland fired one shot. The report reflects that Campbell held one of the children under his left arm. When Campbell released the child, officers assisted by the York County SWAT team, the Rock Hill Police Department and a hostage negotiator, took him into custody.
Bond was denied for Campbell, who as of Dec. 23, remained in custody at York County Detention Center. His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2011.