Three out of four suspects are now in custody following a New Year’s Day drive-by shooting incident in Sumter County, South Carolina, which left a 15-year-old injured. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office reported the event occurred around 3:12 p.m. on January 1 at a home located on East Red Bay Road.
According to authorities, dispatch received a 911 call concerning the shooting, prompting deputies to arrive at the scene. They found the teenager inside the residence suffering from what was later determined to be non-life-threatening injuries caused by gunfire. The victim was quickly taken by ambulance to Prisma Tuomey Hospital for treatment.
Witnesses described multiple suspects, all dressed in black, who were seen firing from the street adjacent to the home toward the property. Initially, those nearby reported observing a blue sedan—a Hyundai Elantra—which was linked to the shooting incident.
While investigators continued to collect evidence at the site, they spotted the blue Hyundai Elantra matching the witness descriptions at approximately 5:07 p.m. Deputies identified the vehicle as stolen. Officers attempted to pull over the car at McCrays Mill Road near Stadium Road when the driver tried to escape by fleeing.
This led to a dramatic police chase, during which the four occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot toward Forest Drive. Law enforcement was quick to respond, resulting in the capture of three individuals: two were picked up by Sumter County Deputies, and the third was caught by officers from the Sumter Police Department.
Among those apprehended was one of the adult suspects, identified as Jaden Shamont Smith. Authorities discovered he was carrying several dangerous items, including handguns, ammunition, and marijuana. Investigators later located more firearms and ammunition within the vehicle, raising alarms about the seriousness of the incident.
This shooting incident has caused concern within the Sumter County community, prompting Sheriff Anthony Dennis to state, “This is anongoing investigation. These individuals are still under investigationregarding the shootinginto adwelling,” referring to the circumstances surrounding the event and the motivations behind it.
While three suspects have been apprehended, the search continues for one remainining suspect, described only as a Black male. The authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the potential whereabouts of the remaining suspect to reach out to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 436-2000.
This unfortunate incident highlights the issue of gun violence affecting local communities and the importance of vigilance, especially during holidays often marked by celebration. Investigators are working diligently to bring clarity to what led to this alarming act of violence and to prevent future occurrences.
The community’s cooperation is seen as pivotal to resolving this case and restoring peace among residents shaken by the New Year’s Day attack. Sheriff Dennis reiterates the commitment to the safety and well-being of the local population as the investigation progresses.