Seven people arrested following shooting incident in South Carolina

SOUTH CAROLINA — Seven people have been arrested in connection with a shooting that injured an 18-year-old woman at the Chester Heights Apartments on Sunday, June 22, according to the Chester Police Department.

The shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Dawson Drive. Police say several individuals began exchanging gunfire in the parking lot.

During the incident, an 18-year-old woman was shot in the back. A friend transported her to MUSC Health in Chester before officers arrived.

She was later transferred to a Columbia hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

Five suspects were arrested within hours of the shooting. Two additional individuals were taken into custody on June 26.

As part of the investigation, officers executed multiple search warrants and recovered several pieces of evidence, including five firearms.

The following adults were arrested:

• Vijay Phillips, 19, of Chester – charged with breach of peace (high and aggravated)
• Wil’Mariee Patterson, 19, of Chester – charged with breach of peace (high and aggravated)
• Ja’Taves Cherry, 19, of Columbia – charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime

Four juveniles were also arrested:

• Two 16-year-olds and two 15-year-olds – each charged with breach of peace (high and aggravated)

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chester Police Department at 803-385-5433.