Curtis Edward Scott, 55, was shot and killed on a Thursday morning in Ridgeland, South Carolina, after entering Jay’s Barber Shop on Main Street wearing a ski mask and carrying a machete. Witnesses said he entered through the back door around 10:30 a.m., brandished the weapon and declared you know what this is. A barber inside drew a firearm and shot Scott; he fled but collapsed beside his vehicle behind the building and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another masked person who entered with Scott reportedly ran off before police arrived and remains unidentified.

Scott’s family said he lived with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and believe he was not taking medication at the time. They said they do not consider him a criminal and think others may have coerced him into the incident. He was remembered as a father, brother and son who loved the outdoors, animals and painting.

If anyone saw the barber shop that morning or has information about the second masked person, please share what was seen or heard.