Car hit, multiple shell casings found at two scenes in north Columbia

Police investigated two scenes where multiple shell casings were found in north Columbia on Monday afternoon. It is not yet known if the two are related.

The first incident happened around 4:30 p.m. near Edenton Boulevard and International Drive, just off Rangeline Street. No one was hurt, but four shell casings were found on Edenton.

Police said two suspects were inside a vehicle, which later turned on International Drive toward Rangeline.

Within the hour, ABC 17’s Lucas Geisler spoke with Sgt. Mike Youtsey at the second scene on Mexico Gravel Road, who confirmed there was a shooting at that location. Police found several shell casings in the area of Mexico Gravel Road and Henley Drive heading east.

A maroon car was towed away for evidence in the 2800 block of Mexico Gravel Road. They believe gunfire was exchanged between two different cars. Police found bullets went through the passenger side window of the car. Sgt. Youtsey said they were still looking for the occupants of that vehicle.

Little evidence connected the two shootings scenes as of Monday night. Police told ABC 17 News that the shell casings found on Mexico Gravel are a different caliber than the ones found on Edenton.

Laura Ertz said she was in the garage with her husband when she heard several rapid banging sounds.

“I saw little poofs of, I don’t know, concrete or whatever, but there were shell casings in those spots when police arrived,” Ertz told ABC 17 News.

Ertz said she feels safe in her neighborhood, where she has lived for 17 years. She said her neighbors are kind, but crime has never come so close to home. Her feelings of safety have slowly waned in several years. She said she felt confident that CPD would catch the right people, but hoped those people stayed in jail until it came time for a resolution.

“When someone is arrested for these gun-related shootings, they bail out right after that, and they’re free to go on doing what they’re doing,” Ertz said. “And I really think there must be a better system.”