According to the Florence Police Department, four people were pronounced dead at the scene, while three others were taken to a nearby hospital and are currently in critical but stable condition.

Police Chief Jeff Mallery said at a news conference that officers responded to the residence around 3 a.m. Saturday and as they approached the home, they still heard gunshots. At that time people were attending the birthday pool party.

The suspect, described as an adult male, fled in a vehicle before police arrived, leading police to pursue him. The suspect then went off the road and crashed into a ditch. Law enforcement found the suspect suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later declared dead, Xinhua news agency reported.

People attending the party recognized the suspect and provided his identification to police. According to Mallery, he has previously been convicted of a sex crime, although it appears it was unrelated to the shooting.

Officials said the preliminary investigation indicates the suspect acted alone and poses no threat to the public.