Three people armed with firearms were arrested in connection with the shootings Saturday Saturday at the Columbiana Center, said Columbia Police Chief WH “Skip” Holbrook. He said at least one of the three men had been shot. Police arrested a 22-year-old man for the shooting. Chief Holbrooke said one of the three men initially arrested by law enforcement as a person of interest remained in custody and is expected to be charged with smuggling a pistol. “We do not think this was a coincidence,” said Chief Holbrooke. “We believe they knew and something led to the shooting.” The victims ranged in age from 15 to 73 years. The 73-year-old is the only person who continues to receive medical treatment, according to the police. Daniel Johnson said he and his family were visiting from Alabama and eating at the dining area when they heard gunshots and started seeing people running. Mr Johnson said people were screaming for their children and spouses and knocking on tables in the dining area as they left. “Everyone was trying to get out,” Mr Johnson said. “When I went out, you could see baby strollers overturned, people’s phones and left keys. It was a bit of a mess.” Johnson said he picked up his wife, daughter and son and started heading out after letting the crowd escape for a while. “My biggest thing – and not to sound selfish – was to make sure our family was well and get them out safely because this is not something we like to do on Easter weekend,” he said.
