Proudly Serving the Citizens of Beaufort County, South Carolina

For emergencies, call 9-1-1

Proudly Serving the Citizens of Beaufort County, South Carolina

For emergencies, call 9-1-1

Wanted man in custody following hours-long standoff in Beaufort

Early Saturday morning, Jan. 15, 2022, following a standoff with Sheriff’s Office deputies on Brotherhood Rd. in Beaufort, Donald Veitch II — who was wanted for a sexual assault that occurred on Hilton Head Island — was taken into custody.

Case History

Thursday morning, Jan. 13, 2022, a woman reported that she was sexually assaulted by 59-year-old Donald Veitch II at his Jonesville Road residence on Hilton Head Island.

Sheriff’s Office investigators met with the woman, obtained details of the incident and collected evidence for forensic examination.

Investigators made contact with Veitch II via telephone and asked him to come in for an interview; Veitch II agreed, but never showed up.

On Friday, Jan. 14, investigators met with a Beaufort County magistrate and obtained warrants for Veitch II’s arrest for Criminal Conduct 1st Degree and Kidnapping, as well as to search his Jonesville Rd. residence.

Investigators made contact with Veitch II via telephone and learned that he was at a residence on Brotherhood Rd. in Beaufort.

In speaking with Veitch II, investigators learned that he may try to harm himself.

When Sheriff’s Office personnel went to the Brotherhood Rd. residence to arrest Veitch II, he advised he was armed and refused to come out.

Sheriff’s Office SWAT personnel responded and established a perimeter, while communication with Veitch II continued via telephone.

Following several hours of conversation with Veitch II, it was clear he was not going to surrender.

Donald Veitch II in Custody

Sometime after 2:00 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 15, SWAT members entered the Brotherhood Rd. residence, disarmed Veitch II and safely took him into custody.

Veitch II was taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH), where he is undergoing an evaluation.

Upon his release from BMH, Veitch II will be transported to the Beaufort County Detention Center and incarcerated on the warrants for Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree and Kidnapping.

Thank You Brotherhood Rd. Residents and Beaufort Police

We would like to thank the residents of Brotherhood Rd. and personnel from the Beaufort Police Department for their cooperation and assistance during the hours-long standoff.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office appreciates your partnership in the safety of our community.