He was one of three people arrested after the shooting, police said, adding that the other two men detained were released after investigators found no involvement. No casualties were reported after the shooting at Columbiana Center, just 10 miles from downtown Columbia, said Police Chief William H. “Skip” Holbrook on Saturday. Police initially reported 12 casualties, but later reported the death toll to 14, of whom at least nine were shot. Another five were injured as they tried to escape to safety, police said, including broken bones and a head injury. The victims range in age from 15 to 73, police said. Until late Saturday, one victim, a 73-year-old woman, remained in hospital The shooting took place at around 2pm during what police believe is a clash between gunmen inside the mall.
Police encourage witnesses to provide information
Police seized a firearm related to the shooting, and evidence from the crime scene shows that at least two different firearms were used by two suspects, police said. At least three suspects showed up inside the mall, but it was not clear if all were shot, the statement said. “The shooting is believed to have been an isolated incident between the suspects and most likely the result of an ongoing clash,” police said in a statement. The police chief said that investigators believe that those involved in the shooting knew each other. “It was not a situation where we had a random person show up at a mall to drop a gun and injure people,” Holbrooke told a news conference Saturday afternoon. Police are asking witnesses to call 803-545-3525 to share information and videos they may have from the shooting. “We know a lot of people saw different things. Take some time, think about it and go to law enforcement,” Holbrooke said. After the shooting, mall officials issued a statement posted by Columbia police on Twitter. “Today’s isolated, irrational act of violence is extremely disturbing and our thoughts are with all those affected. We are grateful for the prompt response and continued support of our security team and our law enforcement associates,” the statement said. CNN’s Michelle Watson and Emma Tucker contributed to this report.
