From staff reports
A shooting on St. Helena Island that injured two men was the result of an exchange of gunfire between parties engaged in an ongoing dispute.
The Island News previously reported that three people – two men and a woman – were traveling in a vehicle near the 400 block of Seaside Road at approximately 5:30 p.m. on May 27 when a suspect fired at the vehicle, striking the two male occupants. The suspect in the shooting was reportedly known by the victims.
An investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office found evidence at the scene indicating that gunfire was exchanged between the occupants of the vehicle and a man standing outside a residence on Seaside Road. Deputies recovered two handguns from inside the vehicle in which the trio was traveling.
The two shooting victims were driven to a nearby gas station where they were met by deputies and Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services paramedics. Both men were transported by ambulance to Beaufort Memorial Hospital, where one man was treated and released. The second victim was transferred to Medical University of South Carolina for treatment of a more serious gunshot wound. His current condition is unknown.
The identities of the victims have not been released.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, interviews with all parties involved in the incident confirmed that shots were exchanged over an ongoing but unspecified dispute.
No charges have yet been filed, but the investigation is ongoing. The Sheriff’s Office said that criminal charges will be considered when additional evidence is gathered and evaluated.
Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111, if wishing to remain anonymous and for possible reward.
