Three Arrested After Post-Game Shooting Near Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia
Columbia was shaken on the night of November 2nd when a celebratory atmosphere turned dangerous following a University of South Carolina Gamecocks victory. Excitement from the team’s impressive 44-20 win over the Texas A&M Aggies quickly faded away, as reports came in about a shooting that left three people injured.
The Incident Details
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, deputies received a call about a shooting just before midnight on Bluff Road, not far from the stadium. Upon arrival, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. While details about his condition remain unclear, it’s known that he was one of the players in this chaotic incident. Shortly after this, it came to light that two additional victims were also hit by stray bullets during the melee.
This shocking turn of events cast a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion for Gamecocks fans. The additional victims, one of whom is reported to be a juvenile, were simply caught in the crossfire as they made their way home after the game.
Arrests Made
Fast forward to Thursday morning, and authorities struck back with a series of arrests. Sheriffs announced that they had taken three men into custody connected to the incident: Wendell Snow, 38, Terrell Singletary, 20, and Dominque Rivers, 19. Snow is alleged to be the gunman who opened fire during the post-game fight between two groups, although the reasons behind this conflict are still unclear.
Sheriff Leon Lott condemned the actions that night, stating, “There is nothing more selfish than to put other people’s lives at risk to make yourself look tough.” He pointed out that one person’s poor choices had serious consequences for many innocent bystanders.
Finding the Firearms
During the arrest operation, law enforcement searched Snow’s residence and discovered several firearms, including one that had been stolen from a nearby area in Florence. Additionally, various illicit drugs were recovered from the home, leading to charges against both Singletary and Rivers. While they do not appear to have been involved directly in the shooting incident, their possession of stolen goods and drugs added to their legal troubles.
The Charges
As it stands, Snow faces a slew of serious charges including two counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and simple possession of marijuana. Singletary has been charged with possession of a stolen pistol, while Rivers faces charges related to possessing a scheduled drug. Currently, none of the three men has been granted bail, according to jail records.
Safety Reminders for Future Games
In light of this incident, Sheriff Lott emphasized the importance of safety when attending public events. He urged fans to stay alert and travel in groups. “Let this serve as a reminder that we have no tolerance for people who choose to open fire in our streets,” he said. With many fans eager to enjoy future games, it’s invaluable to keep safety a top priority.
Ongoing Investigation
As investigations continue, local authorities are committed to uncovering every detail surrounding this horrifying episode. The community remains on edge, but it’s clear they stand united in support of a safe environment for future gatherings.
This situation reminds everyone that celebrations can sometimes take a dark turn, but it’s essential to look out for one another, especially in public gatherings. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
