Willie R. Tubbs, FISM News
Police in Columbia, South Carolina, say a confrontation among armed individuals who knew one another led to an eruption of violence in an area mall Saturday.
According to Columbia Police Chief William Holbrook, three people, all of whom were armed, were arrested at the Columbiana Centre Mall after at least one opened fire. Holbrook announced that 22-year-old Jewayne M. Price, one of the three originally detained, has since been arrested.
“We don’t believe this was random,” Holbrook said. “We believe they knew each other and something led to the gunfire.”
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
The incident left 14 people, who ranged in age from 15 to 73, injured but no one died as a result of the shooting. Ten victims were wounded via gunshot and four were trampled by fleeing bystanders.
“Today’s isolated, senseless act of violence is extremely upsetting and our thoughts are with everyone impacted,” mall management said in a statement shared through the Columbia Police Twitter account. “We are grateful for the quick response and continued support of our security team and our partners in law enforcement.”
Statement from @ColumbianaCtr: “Today’s isolated, senseless act of violence is extremely upsetting and our thoughts are with everyone impacted. We are grateful for the quick response and continued support of our security team and our partners in law enforcement.”
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
Officials, both at the local and state level, praised Columbia’s law enforcement officers for a speedy and effective response, including a Columbia PD communication strategy that involved frequent and detailed reports to the public.
“My heart goes out to those injured at Columbiana Centre mall today,” South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott tweeted. “Thank you to all of the law enforcement officers involved in the rapid response to prevent further injury.”
My heart goes out to those injured at Columbiana Centre mall today. Thank you to all of the law enforcement officers involved in the rapid response to prevent further injury.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) April 17, 2022
Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann tweeted, “Our community is saddened by this senseless shooting and the pain it caused to innocent bystanders. Our focus is on getting them treatment right now and on being supportive of the multiple law enforcement agencies working together to bring these criminals to justice.”
Our community is saddened by this senseless shooting and the pain it caused to innocent bystanders. Our focus is on getting them treatment right now and on being supportive of the multiple law enforcement agencies working together to bring these criminals to justice.
— Daniel J. Rickenmann (@colamayor) April 16, 2022
As of this writing, there was no report on the status of the injured, although local hospital Prisma Health confirmed it had received 11 patients.
Additionally, investigators were still gathering evidence about the shooting and had created a dedicated hotline for tipsters.
“We know a lot of people saw different things,” Holbrook said. “Please take a moment, collect your thoughts and reach out to law enforcement.”