.JPG)
UPDATE: The Manning Police Department has confirmed that charges against Duke were upgraded to 1st degree assault yesterday afternoon. Duke's bond was set at $15,000. He has been released from the detention center.
On Wednesday evening, officers with the Manning Police Department responded to the 400th block of Church Street in reference to an assault.
Upon arrival, the officer observed the complainant sitting outside their residence, near the mailbox. The officer was advised that Scott "Tripp" Duke, Director of Purchasing and Procurement with Clarendon County, came home intoxicated and began assaulting the complainant.
The complainant stated that her leg was bleeding and that she was struck in the head and back. The officer did observe the complainant’s leg bleeding profusely.
The officer entered the residence and observed broken, ceramic glass scattered on the living room floor, as well as blood on the floor. Duke was reported to be laying on the couch when the officer entered. The report also states that when asked about the incident, Duke replied, “[The complainant] does these things all the time.” He then denied assaulting the complainant.
The complainant was examined by EMS and transported to McLeod Health.
Duke was placed under arrest for 2nd degree assault and transported to the Clarendon County Detention Center without incident.
Lynden Anthony, Clarendon County Administrator, confirmed that Duke has been terminated as of this morning. “We were made aware of the incident when [Duke] was arrested, and he is no longer an employee for Clarendon County,” stated Anthony.
