SOUTH CAROLINA — Two people have been arrested following a shooting reported Sunday afternoon in West Columbia.
According to the West Columbia Police Department, 19-year-old Jaeden Jones and 18-year-old Ty’ron Bethea were taken into custody after the incident.
Jones is charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, criminal conspiracy and possession of marijuana. Bethea is charged with possession of marijuana.
Police said officers were called to the area of 2401 Augusta Road around 4:30 p.m. after reports of a shooting. The address corresponds to a Walmart location.
Dispatchers initially reported that a white Chevrolet Tahoe was involved in the shooting, but the vehicle was not located at the scene. Officers did find a gray Nissan Altima on an eastbound lane of Augusta Road that was believed to be connected to the incident.
Authorities also discovered a third vehicle, described as a gray sedan, in the Walmart parking lot with a shattered window. Officers observed multiple shell casings in the parking lot, though police have not confirmed if that is where the shooting occurred.
Witnesses told officers they saw two suspects with guns running toward Beverly Drive. When police arrived in that area, several people directed them toward a nearby woodline, where officers located three suspects. Two of them matched witness descriptions and were taken into custody.
Police said a third suspect fled the area toward the Walmart along nearby railroad tracks. Authorities have not confirmed whether that individual has been located.
No injuries were immediately reported. The investigation remains ongoing.
