Shocking Shooting Incident Leaves Community Reeling in Leesville, South Carolina

Shocking Shooting Incident in Leesville, South Carolina

Leesville, S.C. has found itself in the spotlight following a shocking incident on Thursday morning. A seemingly routine visit to a local business turned into a scene straight out of a movie when a 73-year-old man named Howard F. Fogle Jr. allegedly pulled out a gun and fired at an employee. This shocking event has left the community shaken and questioning how something like this could happen in their small town.

The Incident Unfolds

According to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the confrontation took place at a business located on the 2300 block of Pond Branch Road. Fogle Jr., who hails from nearby Aiken, reportedly became irate over the turnaround time for a job he was inquiring about. Witnesses said that things escalated quickly, with the situation taking a dangerous turn that no one saw coming.

Upon arriving at the scene, deputies found the gunshot victim “running out of the office covering in blood begging for help.” It was a heart-wrenching sight, and deputies acted immediately to render aid. The incident report indicated that the entire confrontation was captured on video, which has become crucial in understanding what transpired that fateful morning.

A Closer Look at the Video Evidence

The chilling footage depicts Fogle Jr. sitting in front of the employee, who remained behind the counter. Strangely, a heart-shaped pillow was seen covering his right hand. The report described a tense moment when the elderly man stood up from the chair, leaned closer over the counter, and suddenly began to fire through the pillow. It was a moment that left everyone in shock.

After the shooting, Fogle Jr. was reportedly seen driving away from the business, but he didn’t get far. Law enforcement was quick on the scene, and they later arrested him at his home in Wagener with the assistance of Aiken County Sheriff’s deputies and local police officers. He has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. As of Friday afternoon, records showed that he was being held in the Lexington County Detention Center without bond.

Victim’s Current Condition

As for the employee who was shot, he was transported to a local hospital, where he is recovering from his injuries. Thankfully, authorities have reported that he is expected to pull through, which offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise distressing situation.

A Community Left Reeling

Details about the business or the nature of the job Fogle Jr. was inquiring about have not been released, leaving many in the community scratching their heads. How did a simple question about a job spiral into such violence? Questions linger, and the people of Leesville are searching for answers.

As the investigation continues, it’s a reminder of how quickly things can escalate, regardless of age or circumstance. It’s a shocking event that has impacted not just those involved but the entire community.

For those who might be feeling anxious or unsettled after hearing about the shooting, it’s important to talk to someone and process the emotions it stirs up. Let’s hope for a swift recovery for the victim and demonstrate strength and resilience as a community during these troubling times.