Police respond to multiple shootings in central Columbia

Police handled multiple shootings in central Columbia, leaving one man injured and over 20 shell casings at another crime scene less half-a mile away.

The first call was near Oak Street and Garth Avenue around 8:15 p.m. Thursday. Witnesses in the area heard an argument, followed by several shots. A man, age 39, later showed up at a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Just four hours later, officers also got another call about multiple shots fired less than half-a mile away at Worley Street and McBaine Avenue. People told investigators three men standing in the intersection were approached by two other men, who then started shooting.

Everyone ran away before authorities got there, but a car and house with people inside was hit by bullets. Police found more than 20 shell casings in the area. At the moment, they are not sure if anyone was hit.

Investigators are not sure if the two shootings are related. There have been no arrests, and officers do not have any suspect descriptions.