News Summary
A shooting at a Bojangles in West Columbia, SC left two individuals injured on December 28, 2024. The suspect, an employee, was arrested, and police seek a second suspect. The community remains on edge as investigations continue.
West Columbia: A Shocking Shooting Incident at Bojangles
In a stunning turn of events that unfolded on Saturday, December 28, 2024, a shooting erupted at a Bojangles restaurant located at the bustling intersection of 12th Street and Augusta Road in West Columbia, South Carolina. The incident, which has left the community shaken, involved an 18-year-old employee of the establishment and resulted in injuries to two individuals.
The Chain of Events
Just as the evening rush was starting, around 5:30 p.m., chaos ensued when multiple gunshots rang out. Thanks to advanced ShotSpotter technology, local police were quickly alerted to the gunfire, allowing them to respond promptly. Upon arrival, officers discovered that two people had been shot. Fortunately, both victims received medical treatment for their injuries, which, thankfully, were described as non-life-threatening.
The Arrest
Within hours of the shooting, authorities had a suspect in custody. An employee of the Bojangles, identified as Marterius Byrd, was arrested on the same evening. Byrd faces serious charges, including two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
Reports indicate that Byrd allegedly fired several rounds through the drive-thru window, targeting a customer’s vehicle. After the unsettling incident, he is said to have jumped through the drive-thru window and fled the scene on foot, leaving both patrons and co-workers in disbelief.
Ongoing Investigation
This investigation is in full swing, with police currently seeking a second suspect who is also believed to be an employee at the restaurant. However, details regarding this individual remain scarce as law enforcement agencies work diligently to piece together the events leading up to this shocking occurrence. At this time, authorities have not disclosed what might have triggered the shooting.
As the story unfolds, the conditions of the injured victims have not been further elaborated upon by the police, leaving many in the community anxious for updates.
Legal Developments
Marterius Byrd, the alleged shooter, finds himself in a precarious legal situation. His bond was denied on the serious charges of attempted murder, and he is currently being held at the Lexington County Detention Center. Community members are left to wonder how someone so young could find themselves in such a dire situation.
A Call for Information
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist in the investigation to step forward. Individuals with insights are invited to contact Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Every piece of information could be essential in resolving this case and ensuring justice is served.
A Community on Edge
As the details continue to emerge, the residents of West Columbia are left grappling with the reality of gun violence affecting even the most commonplace places, like a drive-thru at Bojangles. With the investigation ongoing, questions remain about safety and the factors that may have led to such a violent outburst. The community hopes to see swift action from authorities to bring the second suspect into custody and restore a sense of security back to West Columbia.
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Additional Resources
- WIS News: Bojangles Employee Shooting
- WLTX: Bojangles Shooting Update
- The State: Bojangles Shooting Incident
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violence
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
