Shelby police release video, 911 recordings in arrest of Roof

Authorities came across Roof’s black Hyundai Elantra on U.S. Highway 74 at Plato Lee Road on June 18 after his vehicle was spotted by a flower shop delivery driver.

The driver, Debbie Dills, called her boss, Todd Frady of Frady’s Florist in Kings Mountain, who kept her on the phone while he contacted authorities. Frady called a Kings Mountain police officer, who then relayed the information to Shelby police.

In a 911 recording, Frady gave dispatchers a detailed description of Roof’s vehicle and its location.

Shelby officers stopped the Hyundai, approached the vehicle cautiously and ordered Roof to place his hands on the steering wheel and turn off the vehicle. Roof followed their orders, then was handcuffed and searched.

A black handgun, believed to be a Glock semi-automatic, was found beneath a pillow on the back seat, according to an incident report.

Officers were seen in the video high-fiving each other after Roof was taken into custody.

Roof, of 10428 Garners Ferry Road in Eastover, S.C., is facing nine counts of murder and gun-related charges in the shootings inside the Emmanuel AME Church on June 17.

The victims have been identified as Cynthia Hurd, 54; Susie Jackson, 87; Ethel Lance, 70; the Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, 49; the Rev. and S.C. Senator Clementa Pinckney, 41; Tywanza Sanders, 26; the Rev. Daniel Simmons, 74; the Rev. Sharonda Singleton, 45; and Myra Thompson, 59. Investigators have not said what type of gun was used.

Roof wanted to start a race war, according to one of his friends, and has been seen in photos embracing the Confederate flag. South Carolina, North Carolina, Walmart and Ebay are among a growing list of states and retailers that have announced plans to remove Confedeate symbols from state property and retail stores and websites.