DARLINGTON – Darlington Police, Fire, and EMS were dispatched to a report of a house fire at Minerva Street on Friday, May 5, at 6:22 p.m.  Nobody was in the home at the time of the fire.  A passerby called 911 to report smoke coming from the home. According to Ted McDermott, Darlington Fire Department Chief, the gas stove burner was on and the kitchen was fully involved when they arrived. The fire had spread to the attic and living room areas. McDermott said, “The kitchen is a full loss with minor fire damage in other areas and moderate smoke damage throughout the house.”
Darlington Police Chief, Jason King said, “During the investigation, drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded handgun were discovered in the home.  A male resident of the home, Steven Buckley, age 28, was questioned and released regarding the discovery.” The weapon and drugs were seized. The matter remains under investigation and will be referred to the Lafayette County District Attorney’s Office. Buckley faces charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, felon in possession of a firearm, and storing a loaded firearm within reach of children.