Officer Don “DJ” Keller, 31, of Greenwood, South Carolina, was killed in the line of duty on Monday, May 11, 2026, when his patrol SUV was struck head‑on during a high‑speed chase on East Cambridge Avenue. The collision occurred near the intersections of North Ames Street and North Hospital Street, marking the Greenwood Police Department’s first line‑of‑duty death since 1956.
Police reported that Keller was responding to assist fellow officers in a pursuit of a blue Jeep Wrangler believed to be connected to prior shooting incidents. Around 4:54 p.m., the Jeep crossed into oncoming traffic and slammed into Keller’s Ford Explorer patrol vehicle.
The Jeep caught fire after the impact, and its three occupants—teenagers aged 15, 17, and 18—were hospitalized with injuries. Keller’s K‑9 partner, Vice, was inside the SUV but survived unharmed.
Keller was pronounced dead at the scene. The South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Multi‑disciplinary Accident Investigation Team is leading the inquiry, while Greenwood Police Chief TJ Chaudoin described the loss as “an extremely difficult day” for the department and community. Video from the scene showed heavy damage to Keller’s patrol vehicle, underscoring the violent nature of the crash.
Born and raised in Ware Shoals, South Carolina, Keller served in the U.S. Army from 2016 to 2020 and remained an active member of the South Carolina National Guard. He joined the Greenwood Police Department in March 2023 and became a K‑9 handler in 2025. Colleagues remembered him as dedicated, courageous, and deeply committed to protecting his community.
Keller was married to his wife Alison for ten years, and together they shared a two‑year‑old daughter. Friends and fellow officers described him as a family man who balanced his devotion to law enforcement with his love for home life. His death has left a profound void in Greenwood, where residents and leaders have rallied to support his grieving family.
Governor Henry McMaster ordered flags at the Statehouse to be lowered to half‑staff on the day of Keller’s funeral, while Senator Lindsey Graham and other state leaders offered condolences. Keller’s passing has been recognized as a somber reminder of the dangers faced daily by law enforcement officers. The Greenwood community continues to mourn the loss of a man remembered for his service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty.
