1 arrested in Columbia mall shooting; 14 injured
UPDATE: Columbia Police say they’ve arrested 22-year-old Jewayne M. Price, who was initially detained by law enforcement as a person of interest.
Price will be charged with unlawful carrying of a pistol, and additional charges are possible. A bond hearing will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia.
Authorities say two other men have been released from police custody after investigators determined that they were not involved in the shooting.
However, police say they are looking to identify at least two additional suspects who were observed with firearms.
Additionally, police said there were 14 total victims.
“Nine of the victims suffered gunshot wounds; five of the victims suffered other injuries including broken bones lacerations and a head injury while attempting to leave the mall for safety,” police said.
As of late Saturday night, officials said the only victim still receiving treatment at a local hospital is a 73-year-old female.
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – Authorities are investigating a shooting that happened at a mall in Columbia on Saturday afternoon.
The Columbia Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at Columbiana Centre around 2:00 p.m. and immediately began assessing the situation.
Officials later confirmed people had been injured in the shooting and were seeking medical attention; however, the agency did not provide a number of those injured.
“The extent of injuries unknown at this time,” officials said.
Police officers are working on evacuating people from the mall. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office said a reunification site for those with loved ones involved in the shooting will be at the Fairfield Inn on Columbiana Drive.
During a 5:00 p.m. press conference, Chief Skip Holbrook with the Columbia Police Department said 911 received a call just after 2:00 p.m. reporting that someone heard gunfire near the GAP.
Based on their preliminary investigation, police said 12 people were injured in the shooting incident. No fatalities were reported.
Among those, 10 received gunshot injuries while two were injured during a stampede.
Chief Holbrook said the oldest injury victim is 73 and the youngest is 15.
He said three people have been detained and believed those involved knew each other. Chief Holbrook said the three individuals were seen with firearms, at least one fired a weapon.
“We don’t believe this was random. We believe they knew each other and something led to the gunfire,” Chief Holbrook said.
The mall released a statement through Columbia PD which said, “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.”
