The shooting took place Saturday afternoon at the Columbiana Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Of the 14 injured, nine were shot, while five were injured amid panic and chaos as shoppers tried to flee the scene. Columbia Police Chief William Holbrooke said authorities currently believe the shooting was “not an accidental act of violence” but rather “some sort of clash” between a group of gunmen who knew each other. The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Jewayne M Price, is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center and will be charged with illegal pistol firearms, with several more possible charges. It is unclear whether Mr Price has a lawyer who can speak on his behalf, and the Independent has contacted prison officials. Police say they are still looking for two other people who were seen with guns at the time of the shooting. “After talking to witnesses and examining the surveillance video, CPD investigators believe at least three suspects showed firearms inside the mall,” the Columbia Police Department said in a statement Saturday. “The CPD is working to identify how many suspects left their firearms, injuring many people.” The Columbiana Center issued a statement saying, “The 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 partners in law enforcement. “ Local media reported that there was a strong presence of police and emergency personnel at the mall until Saturday night. The mall is located about 10 miles north of downtown Columbia. Mr Price was one of three people initially arrested by police after the shooting. The other two were released. The victims of the shootings ranged in age from 73 to 15, police said, but there were no casualties. The 73-year-old victim is the only person who continues to receive medical treatment, according to police. All the other victims have been treated and have been released or will be released soon, a press release said. Witnesses described a chaotic scene inside the mall. “Everyone was trying to get out,” Daniel Johnson, a shopper who visited Alabama at the time of the shooting, told the Associated Press. “When I went out, you saw baby strollers overturned, people’s phones and left keys. “It was a turbulent situation.” Police said investigators seized “a firearm related to the incident” and that “a preliminary examination of the ballistic evidence collected from the scene shows that at least two different firearms were used by two suspects”. Local leaders condemned the violence. “These tragedies are getting closer and closer to home,” Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee and former chairman of the Democratic Party of South Carolina, wrote on Twitter Saturday night. “I’m sure some Colombian families just went shopping for Easter weekend and now their lives have changed forever. The nation needs to find the courage, strength and leadership to stop #GunViolence.”
title: “Police Seek Two Suspects In Mall Shooting Which Injured 14 After One Alleged Gunman Identified " ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-07” author: “Ricky Middleton”
Shots were fired Saturday afternoon at the Columbiana Center in Columbia. Of the 14 injured, nine were shot, while five were injured amid panic and chaos as shoppers tried to flee the scene. Columbia Police Chief William Holbrooke said authorities believed the shooting was “not an accidental act of violence” but rather “some sort of clash” between a group of gunmen who knew each other. The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Jewayne M. Price, is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center. He is charged with illegal transfer of a pistol, with several possible charges. It is unclear whether Mr Price has a lawyer. The Independent contacted prison officials for comment. Police say they are still searching for two other suspects who were seen with guns at the time of the shooting. “After talking to witnesses and examining the surveillance video, CPD investigators believe at least three suspects showed firearms inside the mall,” the Columbia Police Department said in a statement Saturday. “The CPD is working to identify how many suspects left their firearms, injuring many people.” The Columbiana Center issued a statement saying, “The 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 partners in law enforcement. “ Local media reported that a strong presence of police and emergency personnel remained at the mall until Saturday night. The mall is located about 10 miles north of downtown Columbia. Mr Price was one of three people initially arrested by police after the shooting. The other two were released. The victims of the shootings ranged in age from 73 to 15, police said, but there were no casualties. The 73-year-old victim is the only person who continues to receive medical treatment. All the other victims have been treated and have been released or will be released soon, a press release said. Witnesses described a chaotic scene inside the mall. “Everyone was trying to get out,” Daniel Johnson, a shopper who visited Alabama, told the Associated Press. “When I went out, you saw baby strollers overturned, people’s phones and left keys. “It was a turbulent situation.” Police said investigators seized “a firearm related to the incident” and that “a preliminary examination of the ballistic evidence collected from the scene shows that at least two different firearms were used by two suspects”. Local leaders condemned the violence. “These tragedies are getting closer and closer to home,” Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee and former chairman of the Democratic Party of South Carolina, wrote on Twitter Saturday night. “I’m sure some Colombian families just went shopping for Easter weekend and now their lives have changed forever. The nation needs to find the courage, strength and leadership to stop #GunViolence.”
