Yet another shooting has taken place, this time in Columbia, South Carolina; with 12 people injured in the incident, of which 10 people were injured by the gunfire.
Three suspects who were carrying firearms were arrested.
The incident happened on 16 April inside the Columbiana Centre shopping mall in Columbia, South Carolina, with the police chief of Columbia, William Holbrook, saying that the shooting was not believed to be a random act of violence.
He said it was believed to have arose from “some kind of conflict” among a group of armed individuals who knew each other.
No deaths were reported in the incident, with the mall seeing a heaving presence of police and emergency personnel.
10 people were hit by gunfire, of which 8 of them were sent to area hospitals. Of the 8, two are in critical condition, and the other 6 in stable condition.
The other 2 persons were injured in a stampede when the bystanders ran for safety.
Here is the Columbia police’s statement
Chief W.H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook announces the arrest of a 22-year-old male in connection with this afternoon’s shooting incident at Columbiana Centre. Columbia Police Department (CPD) investigators continue to work to identify at least two additional suspects who were observed with firearms.
Jewayne M. Price who was initially detained by law enforcement as a person of interest remains in police custody. Price will be charged with Unlawful Carrying of a Pistol. CPD is in consultation with the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office; additional charges may be forthcoming. Two additional males who were also detained for questioning have been released from police custody after it was determined that they were not involved in the shooting.
After speaking with witnesses and reviewing surveillance video, CPD investigators believe that at least three suspects displayed firearms inside the mall. CPD is working to determine how many suspects discharged firearms, thus injuring multiple people.
CPD investigators have seized one firearm related to the incident. Preliminary examination of ballistic evidence collected from the scene indicates that at least two different firearms were used by two suspects.
It is believed that the shooting was an isolated incident between the suspects and likely stemmed from an on-going conflict.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are here at Columbiana Centre where a shooting took place. There are reports of several injuries. The entire mall area is blocked off. @wachfox pic.twitter.com/OHIaIomt1W
— Kelsey Sanchez (@KelsSanchez) April 16, 2022