Lexington County Faces a Spate of Incidents as New Year Kicks Off

News Summary

As Lexington County rings in the New Year, the community grapples with several unsettling incidents, including a motorcycle crash on New Year’s Eve, a shooting at a local Bojangles, a wild police chase, and a stolen deputy’s patrol vehicle. Authorities are investigating these events which have raised significant concern among residents. While emergency services have responded, the incidents highlight a challenging start to the year for the community, prompting calls for enhanced safety and awareness.

Lexington County Faces a Spate of Incidents as New Year Kicks Off

As we roll into the New Year, Lexington County is reeling from a couple of events that have left the community on edge. Roads were busy, and the excitement was palpable, but it seems trouble was lurking around the corner.

New Year’s Eve Motorcycle Mishap

On New Year’s Eve, Sunset Boulevard was the scene of a serious collision involving a motorcycle and an SUV, around 9 p.m. The crash occurred near the intersection with Coventry Drive, leading authorities to promptly close the inbound lanes of Sunset Boulevard/US-378. Traffic was diverted through the Home Depot parking lot as emergency services rushed to the scene.

The motorcyclist was quickly transported from the site by EMS, but details about the driver’s condition in the SUV remain unclear. Local authorities reported that speeding and failure to yield likely contributed to the crash, although it’s not yet determined which of the two vehicles holds responsibility for the unfortunate event. Regardless, the incident certainly cast a shadow over the festive evening.

Shooting at Bojangles Raises Alarms

Bojangles in Lexington County on Saturday afternoon. The shooting occurred around 5:30 p.m. at the busy intersection of 12th Street and Augusta Road, injuring two individuals, thankfully, with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police have made an arrest in the case, detaining an 18-year-old, identified as Marterius Byrd, on serious charges including attempted murder and possession of a firearm during a violent crime. Byrd’s bond has been denied, and he is currently held at the Lexington County Detention Center. The hunt is still on for a second suspect who has yet to be identified, adding another layer of concern for the local community. Investigators are trying to piece together what led to the violent exchange and whether the shooter and the victims knew each other. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to reach out to CrimeStoppers.

Recalling Recent Violence

This unsettling shooting is not an isolated event. Just a month prior, another tragic shooting took place at a different Bojangles in the Midlands, claiming the life of a woman over a dispute. Over the years, the fast-food chain has seen its share of troubling incidents; one notable case involved an employee fatally shooting a coworker after a disagreement.

Wild Chase through Lexington

Lake Murray Dam.

Upon coming to a sudden stop, police quickly apprehended 45-year-old Joshua D. Riley, charging him with several offenses, including reckless driving and operating a vehicle under suspension. His passenger, 39-year-old Daion A. Bowers, initially fled the scene but was later caught and charged with resisting arrest. Thankfully, no injuries were reported from this reckless escapade.

Deputy’s Patrol Vehicle Stolen in Dramatic Turn of Events

It’s been a challenging start to the New Year in Lexington County, and as authorities continue their investigations, communities are left hoping for a return to safer, calmer days ahead.