A 16-year veteran of the Greenwood Police Department has seen his career come to a sad close. Captain Matt Caughman has reportedly been fired after being charged with a DUI, according to Fox Carolina News.
The former captain was off-duty at the time of the arrest, which took place on Aug. 8, 2026, at around 8:30 p.m. WJCL reports that Caughman’s chief, TJ Chaudoin, learned about what had happened that same night and terminated the captain’s employment around 2 a.m. on Sunday.
Chaudoin has reportedly released a statement on the Greenwood Police Department’s Facebook page about the incident and firing, saying that while the former captain is entitled to due process, the department holds its officers to a higher standard, hence the quick action.
Here’s what we know.
The Department Hasn’t Released Many Details About the Arrest Itself
The press release was shared via Facebook on Aug. 9, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. local time. In the post, the department explained that Caughman had been charged with driving under the influence by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. While the post revealed that the captain was off-duty at the time, it didn’t offer any other details about the arrest itself.
However, an Aug. 9, 2026, post from the Index Journal offers a little more insight, saying that a Laurens County inmate search showed that Caughman was also charged with possessing an open beer or wine container in a motor vehicle, as well as domestic violence in the first degree. It’s worth noting that the Laurens County inmate search couldn’t be verified by Guessing Headlights as of the time of publication.
Former Captain Caughman Had a Notable Career
In the press release, some of the former captain’s more noteworthy achievements were highlighted, including his long tenure with the department. It also noted that he had received multiple awards, including the Medal of Valor and the Purple Heart, both of which were awarded after he was shot during a domestic violence call.
The release further described Caughman as someone who had played an important role in the community, stating that he’d been recognized repeatedly for his service during his 16 years on the force.
An Official Statement Was Shared About the Incident
It’s been reported that the chief was alerted to what happened several hours after the arrest, and he took a moment to address his feelings in the post. “I’m very upset and disappointed with this incident, and a badge does not make a person above the law,” he wrote. “Incidents such as these will not be tolerated, and individuals who are a part of our department are held to a high standard.”
That being said, the press release also detailed how Caughman would be entitled to the same due process as everyone else while also noting that officers aren’t above the law.
“Officers are entrusted with significant authority and responsibility, and they are expected to conduct themselves—both on and off duty—in a manner that maintains the trust and confidence of the community,” the press release continued. “The Greenwood Police Department will not compromise those standards.”
The Public Reacted to the News Online
While it’s hard to tell which commenters on the Facebook post were Greenwood residents and which had just stumbled across it online, hundreds of people posted their thoughts about the arrest, including one person who said that officers are “humans” like the rest of us and just as capable of making mistakes as anyone.
“I’m proud of Greenwood’s police department and Chief Chaudoin for holding its officers to higher standards and wanting the citizens to feel safe, protected, and treated equally under the law,” they wrote in part. “We also don’t know what drove the officer to drink that much, but praying he will seek help.”
Meanwhile, others felt that the chief was too quick to terminate Caughman. “Desk duty or suspend until he has a fair trial, okay, but termination,” someone wrote alongside a shocked emoji. “But all he’s been through, sounds like you may have done him a favor!”