COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia police are investigating what they say is a random stabbing that took place Tuesday morning at a Walgreens pharmacy.
According to Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook, officers responded to 4467 Devine Street around 11:15 a.m. for a call of an assault in progress. When they arrived, they determined a man had entered the store and, without provocation, attacked another customer with an edged weapon.
Another customer was able to help the victim get away from his attacker and disarm him, according to Holbrook.
"A citizen came to the victim’s aid and subdued the suspect just as officers were arriving," Chief Holbrook explained. The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Jermaine Nedd, was taken into custody at the scene. He's being charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
The victim, described as an older man, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital. He is currently reported to be in stable condition. Police say there is no indication that the victim nor Nedd knew each other prior to the attack.
"It’s certainly concerning to have someone walk into a busy establishment and randomly pick someone to attack," Holbrook said. "However, there is no ongoing threat to the public as the suspect is in custody."
Police are still working to determine the suspect’s motive. Chief Holbrook confirmed that Nedd is not listed in any known databases and does not have a last known address.
The Walgreens location temporarily closed following the incident. While the drive-through was expected to reopen by mid-afternoon, the store itself was closed for hours as police processed the crime scene during the afternoon.