Thursday, March 28

12 injured in mall shooting, 3 detained, no fatalities


COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – The Columbia Police Department confirmed that around 2:03 pm they were called to the scene of a shooting inside of Columbiana Centre. This triggered a response from the Columbia Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Chief Skip Holbrook said no one was killed in the shooting but 12 people were injured. Ten of those people were hit by gunfire. Two were trampled in the crowd as people tried to escape.

Ten people are in the hospital, two of them went by themselves to the hospital. Six of those are in stable condition and two are in critical condition. The youngest victim is 15-years-old and the oldest is 73.

Three people have been detained in the investigation. Holbrook said police do not believe this is a random shooting and that the people knew each other.

Police have been clearing the stores one by one inside the mall. Law enforcement has asked anyone still inside to stay put until officials can evacuate them. A reunification area has been set up at 320 Columbiana Drive. Anyone still inside the mall can call 803-252-2911 to let law enforcement be aware of your location. Separated families can call 803-732-4436 to speak with officials to help reunite.

Anyone with information is being asked to reach out to law enforcement at 803-545-3525.

Prisma Health issued a statement on the shooting,

“Prisma Health sends its thoughts and prayers to everyone impacted by the incident at Columbiana Center Mall including our first responders. Prisma Health hospitals in the Midlands received 11 patients with various injuries including gunshot wounds. These Emergency Departments are on lockdown, which is a normal part of emergency procedures.”

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Prisma Health reported at around 7:17 pm that of the 11 patients received in Prisma Health hospitals, 9 have been treated and released. Two patients were admitted.

Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann tweeted:

🚨Employees inside the mall who were told to shelter in place for safety, law enforcement officers will come to you as a protected escort. DO NOT leave a store until told to do so by proper authorities.

— Columbia Police Dept (@ColumbiaPDSC) April 16, 2022

The reunification site for loved ones is at the Fairfield Inn at 320 Columbiana Drive, according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

Please use caution while driving in the area.

Officers are assessing the scene. The main entrance to the mall on Harbison Boulevard is closed.

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Parts of I-26 West are closed near the Harbison area.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2022 WIS. All rights reserved.

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