Incident at a Lexington County Business Shakes Community
Lexington County, S.C. – Early Thursday morning, a shooting at a local business left the community in shock as details of the incident unfurl. According to authorities, 73-year-old Howard Fogle Jr. has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
What Happened?
Lexington County deputies reported that the tension escalated quickly at a business located on Pond Branch Road. Fogle had allegedly arrived at the site to inquire about the timeline for a job the business was handling for him. According to Lexington County Sheriff, Jay Koon, things did not go as Fogle had hoped.
“Based on the interviews detectives conducted,” Sheriff Koon explained, “they determined Fogle went there to ask about the turnaround time for a job.” What started as a routine conversation soon turned into a troubling encounter.
A Sudden Turn of Events
After an exchange of words between Fogle and an employee of the business, the situation took a dangerous turn. In a shocking moment, Fogle allegedly pulled out a pistol and shot at the employee. The employee was struck multiple times, prompting immediate medical attention. Fortunately, medical personnel later informed investigators that the employee is expected to recover from his gunshot wounds.
Quick Action from Authorities
Thanks to the swift actions of both the employees at the business and the law enforcement officers, Fogle’s identity was quickly established. The entire incident was captured on surveillance cameras, making it easier for deputies to piece together what had happened.
After the shooting, Fogle managed to drive away from the scene and return to his home in Wagener. However, law enforcement was not far behind. Aiken County deputies, in collaboration with Wagener police officers, worked efficiently to locate and arrest him at his residence.
The Arrest
After his arrest, Fogle was transferred into the custody of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and is currently being held at the Lexington County Detention Center. The community is now grappling with the aftermath of this shocking incident.
Community Impact
Incidents like this send ripples through a close-knit community, making residents question the safety of their neighborhoods. Local businesses often serve as the heart of communities, where people gather not just to shop, but to interact and share stories. The thought that violence could intrude upon such spaces is unsettling.
Looking Forward
As the investigation continues, the hope is for healing and recovery for the injured employee. The community is also looking for reassurance that measures will be in place to prevent such incidents in the future. Events like this remind everyone to prioritize openness in communication and conflict resolution, to keep our neighborhoods safe.
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available on this developing story. Community members are encouraged to keep dialogue open and to focus on unity and recovery during this challenging time.
