Man charged in drive-by Awendaw shooting, admits to being on Psilocybin mushrooms

AWENDAW, S.C. (WCBD) – A North Charleston man has been arrested in connection with an early morning drive-by shooting in Awendaw on Tuesday, September 17.

Deputies from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire in the 700 block of Tupelo Forest Drive just after 5 a.m.

According to authorities, the victim, who was found at a nearby gas station, stated they had been driving northbound on Highway 17 near Bulls Bay Boulevard when they noticed a dark SUV parked on the roadside.

As the victim changed lanes to avoid the vehicle, they reported hearing multiple gunshots aimed at their car. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the victim quickly pulled over to call law enforcement.

Shortly after the incident, the Mount Pleasant Police Department stopped a vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s SUV near Highway 17 and Highway 41.

The driver, identified as 23-year-old Vaneil Lamaar Morehead, confessed to the shooting during questioning. He also admitted to consuming Psilocybin mushrooms before the incident.

Morehead has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, being a habitual traffic offender, and possession of another controlled substance.

He is currently being held at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center.

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