LANCASTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- After being closed for over 24 hours, the Lancaster Walmart has reopened as of Thursday morning, following a terrifying shootout that took place inside the store’s automotive section on Tuesday afternoon.
The shooting, which occurred at 2:34 p.m., Tuesday, April 1, was the result of an altercation between two groups inside the store, authorities confirmed with Queen City News.
The fight quickly escalated, leading to an exchange of gunfire that left at least two people injured, police said. Neither sustained life-threatening injuries, though both were rushed to the hospital by personal means for treatment. One man remains in the hospital at this time.
Latest arrests
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that three suspects, 18-year-old Lareakus Cunningham, 19-year-old Na’Rickio Mickle, and 19-year-old Zydarius Quashon Stover, are in custody following the shootout. Cunningham and Mickle face multiple charges, including attempted murder, while Stover is charged with misprision of a felony (failure to report a crime) and has been issued a $10,000 bond. Both Cunningham and Mickle have been denied bond.
Photos: 18-year-old Lareakus Cunningham (left), 19-year-old Zydarius Quashon Stover (center), 19-year-old Na’Rickio Mickle (right)In addition to these three, warrants have been obtained for the arrest of 18-year-old Jayvion Marcellus Wells, who remains hospitalized, and 18-year-old Antonio Jacquis Hayden, who is still being actively sought by law enforcement. Wells faces charges of breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature, and Hayden has warrants issued on charges of accessory after the fact, a class A felony, and misprision of a felony (failure to report a crime).
Massive police response
The shooting prompted a massive law enforcement response, with over 100 officers from a variety of agencies, including the Lancaster Police Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol, SLED, the FBI, and neighboring county sheriffs' offices, descending on the scene. Local emergency services, including the Lancaster Fire Department and EMS, also played key roles in the coordinated effort to secure the area and assist the injured.
“This was a reckless incident,” said Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile. “These individuals had no regard for human life, putting innocent people in danger. That’s something we’re not going to put up with.”
Photo: Queen City NewsPhoto: Queen City NewsPhoto: Queen City NewsPhoto: Queen City NewsPolice say that while the incident is still under investigation, they are focusing on a possible gang connection between the two groups involved. However, they have yet to confirm any specific details, including whether the fight was allegedly "over a girl."
Lancaster Police Chief Don Roper emphasized that while the investigation is ongoing, the primary suspects have been identified and charges are being pursued.
“We’ve identified most of the players involved in this event, and we’re working hard to put together the full picture of what happened and why,” Chief Roper said. “This is a major investigation, and we won’t rest until we’ve gotten to the bottom of it.”
OFFICER DOWN: Ambushed McBee cop claims town implemented ticket quota, earned himself ‘cash cow’ nicknameThe sheriff’s office has also indicated that they are considering charging the juvenile involved as an adult, though this decision will be made through the court system. Authorities have been tight-lipped about the specifics of the juvenile’s involvement, but noted that they plan to move forward with a petition for adult charges, including attempted murder.
Local officials have commended the public for their cooperation in the investigation and are urging anyone with additional information, no matter how small, to come forward. "This is our community," said Chief Roper. "Your family shops here, and our family shops here. Let’s work together to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Lancaster Police or the Lancaster Sheriff’s Office. Both are working closely to piece together the investigation, likening it to solving a complex puzzle.
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