SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities have made three arrests and are looking for a fourth suspect after a police chase in Sumter County that followed a shooting on New Year's Day.
The Sumter County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to an incident on East Red Bay Road around 3:10 p.m. on Wednesday, where they found a 15-year-old wounded by gunfire inside a home. The teen was taken to an area hospital for a wound deputies said they didn't believe was life-threatening.
An investigation and witness testimony later helped deputies determine the incident was a possible drive-by shooting. Witnesses also said they saw several suspects who were dressed in black on an adjacent street who were shooting toward the home. Investigators later determined the suspect's vehicle was a blue sedan.
Around 5 p.m., while investigators were still at the scene, the sheriff's office said its Community Action Team saw a blue Hyundai Elantra that matched the witnesses' description. Deputies later determined the car was stolen and attempted to make a traffic stop at McCrays Mill and Stadium roads.
A chase followed, and at some point, the suspects exited the vehicle and ran toward Forest Drive. Deputies arrested two, and Sumter Police helped arrest a third. A fourth is still on the run.
Investigators said two of the suspects are juveniles. A third, 22-year-old Jaden Shamont Smith, was arrested for possession of a stolen pistol. Deputies said they also found additional handguns and ammunition in the suspect's vehicle.
The sheriff's department is still investigating connections between those tied to the chase and the shooting. Anyone with information can contact the Sumter County Sheriff's Office at 803-436-2000 or call 911. Tipsters can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
