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. Police said the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Jewayne M Price, would be held at the Lexington County Detention Center. The Columbiana Center, meanwhile, also issued a statement saying, “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 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. Earlier, police said they had arrested three people in connection with the shooting. Mr Holbrooke later said that one of the three people initially arrested by law enforcement remained a source of interest and would be held in custody by police. He is expected to be charged with illegal pistol firearms. 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. 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”.
