COLUMBIA, S.C. — Authorities say they have arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting at a busy shopping mall in South Carolina’s capital on Saturday that left 14 people injured.
Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook says 22-year-old Jewayne M. Price is in police custody and is expected to be charged with unlawful carrying of a pistol in connection with the shooting at Columbiana Centre.
Price was one of three people initially detained by law enforcement as a person of interest. It is not immediately known if he has an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
Holbrook says no fatalities have been reported but that 14 people were injured.
Police say nine of the 14 people were shot and the other five people suffered injuries while attempting to flee.
The youngest victim is 15 years old and the oldest victim is 73 years old.
Everyone in the mall has been accounted for.
Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said he was thankful there were no deaths during the incident.
"Training and preparation paid off, it was very chaotic," Holbrook said.
As of Saturday afternoon, police said at least 1 person is known to have fired several rounds.
Police do not have a motive but do not believe it was random. They believe the individuals who were detained knew each other.
🚨Employees inside the mall who were told to shelter in place for safety, law enforcement officers will come to you as a protected escort. DO NOT leave a store until told to do so by proper authorities.
— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department has set up a reunification site for those who may have family involved in the shooting.
Police are asking anyone who may have information or have evidence, including photos or videos, to talk to investigators.
"We know a lot of people saw a lot of different things," Holbrook said.
Columbiana Centre Mall is about 10 miles from downtown Columbia.
