Police working shooting in central Columbia
Columbia police are looking for the people responsible for firing bullets into the side of an apartment Monday afternoon. It happened before 1:30 p.m. in the 500 Block of Oak Street.
Police said it was a drive-by shooting.
ABC 17 News found the sound of gun shots is nothing new for people who live there. Neighbors said this same thing happened last year. However, what was odd and scary about this shooting is that the person drove up here in broad daylight and shot straight into the apartment.
A bullet hole was left in the wall, plus police found three shell casings were on the road. Although no one was home in the targeted apartment during the shooting, the chance a child could have been hit outside has people on edge.
“We was at the park and somebody started shooting, and so I grab my kids and we ran off,” said Shaimeka Griffin. For her, the gunfire in the middle of the day is a real nightmare.
“Who is shooting and why? It’s too early to be shooting; it’s kids out here and bullets ain’t got no name on them,” said Griffin.
While luckily no one was hurt, one man was only feet from the crime. “The car drove up pulled out his arm and fired five or six shots as quick as he could,” said a neighbor who saw the entire crime. For his safety, he didn’t want his identity known, but told ABC 17 News he heard the bullets fly and called 911.
As investigators talk to neighbors to figure out who is behind this constant crime, some people have an idea of what’s behind it. “Just a lot of drug activity going on in this town,” said the neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous.
“Who ever is shooting must really cant stand that person because for you to be shooting this time of day knowing that there’s kids outside, must be careless,” said Griffin.
Whatever the reason, witnesses just hope something can stop the violence in the future. “People be grown and have a heart, because police can’t do nothing, they show up at the end,” said Griffin.
Police don’t have a suspect description, but they do know the car was a red or maroon Blazer.
Police said as the weather gets warmer they typically see more crimes like this. They urge people call 911 if they see anything suspicious.
If people have any information about the shooting they are asked to call Crimestoppers at 875-TIPS.
