Deputies deploy K9 unit near Broad River Rd.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Sheriff Leon Lott said, “This is another example of young people with guns and also our criminal justice system with a crack in it.”
Lott said Friday’s incident is related to a previous shooting roughly a month prior on Bluff Rd. He said recently there have been three retaliatory drive-by shootings in the neighborhoods near Western Lane.
As part of the investigation, RCSD received a tip that another shooting was planned at around 3 p.m. Deputies responded and found a suspect white truck. A chase ended when the truck wrecked in the woods near Western Lane.
Lott said at least three people exited the vehicle and ran into the woods. One of the suspects was approached by an investigator. Lott said the man refused to listen to commands and had a gun in his waistband. The man, reached for his firearm and the RCSD investigator fired a single round and was able to arrest him. He was not hit by gunfire during the incident.
RELATED STORY: One charged, two on run in connection to multiple drive-by shootings in Richland County
Lott said the 19-year-old suspect has a previous record of breaking into cars and carrying a gun. A search in the area did not locate the other suspects.
Lott said in the last several weeks over 50 rounds have been fired in the neighborhood as part of the retaliatory shootings.
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The Richland County Sheriff’s Department said they deployed a K9 unit near Broad River Road Friday.
RCSD said there is an active search in the Kennerly Rd and Western Lane area off Broad River Rd. Investigators said they are searching for a group of younger males in their teens or twenties that are armed and considered dangerous.
The public is being asked to avoid the area or remain indoors and to call 911 if they see anything suspicious.
RCSD said Sheriff Leon Lott will be holding a press conference on the situation at 6 p.m.
This is a developing story and will be updated as we learn more.
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