Columbiana Centre mall after a rowdy afternoon with shooting inside mall.
Saturday evening Columbia Police Department (CPD) Chief W.H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook announced the arrest of a 22-year-old male in connection with Saturday afternoon’s shooting incident at Columbiana Centre Mall. CPD investigators continue to work to identify at least two additional suspects who were observed with firearms.
Columbia Police Chief W.H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook. Photo courtesy Columbia Police Department.
Jewayne M. Price who was initially detained by law enforcement as a person of interest, but now remains in police custody in connection with the shooting. Price will be charged with Unlawful Carrying of a Pistol. CPD is in consultation with the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and additional charges may be forthcoming. Two additional males who were also initially 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.
A Day at the Mall Before Easter Sunday
The afternoon shooting at Columbiana Centre turned a normally busy shopping day at the mall into chaos for locals and visitors alike. Many people are visiting Columbia from out of town for the Easter holiday weekend. Others were shopping for last minute items for their Sunday celebration.
Many shoppers were finishing their day in the food court eating and visiting at the tables there. That’s when pandemonium broke loose around 2:00pm as shots were heard and crowds were seen running.
The Associated Press reported that one witness, Daniel Johnson, who is visiting Columbia from Alabama, said people were “screaming for their children and spouses” to take cover and get out of the mall area. Others were running into other patrons and “knocking over tables” in their flight from the food court. Johnson said when he got outside he saw “baby strollers turned over”.
Patrons of the mall vacated a variety of personal belongings in their flight to safety including phones and keys. An unnamed witness said there was panic everywhere.
Many Columbiana Centre employees were stranded in the parking lot following evacuation from the mall by police. Police later cleared them to reenter the mall and gather their belongings.
Shooting Victims Update
Earlier it was reported that 12 people had been injured during the Columbiana Centre Mall shooting, after speaking with medical personnel at various hospitals, it has now been confirmed that there are 14 total victims. The victims all ranging in age from 15 to 73-years-old, including nine of the victims suffering gunshot wounds. In addition, five of the victims suffered injuries ranging from broken bones, lacerations and a head injury while attempting to get out of harms way during the active shooting at the mall Saturday afternoon.
The only victim who continues to receive medical treatment at a local hospital is a 73-year-old female. All other victims have been treated and released or will be released shortly.
Prisma Health hospitals in the Midlands reported that 9 of the 11 patients they received with injuries including gunshot wounds, have been treated and released Saturday evening. Two patients were admitted for further treatment. Their Emergency Departments remain on lockdown as a normal part of emergency procedures.
CPD investigators continue to make progress and follow leads in the case. CPD extends its sincere appreciation for tips received so far.
As a reminder: any witness or person who captured the incident on video should notify CPD immediately. A dedicated hotline has been established to receive information: Citizens are encouraged to call CPD’s Criminal Investigations Bureau at 803-545-3525.
Michael Reed is Publisher of The Standard newspaper, print and online, and TheStandardSC YouTube channel where many video reports may be found. Please share freely and donate to The Standard on this page to assure the continued availability of news that is ignored too often by the dominant media.
Please “like”, comment, share with a friend, and donate to support The Standard on this page. Become a Patron!
RSS - Posts