By Delayna Earley
The Island News
For the third time in six months, the Garden Oaks Apartment complex was rocked by a violent shooting that resulted in two men being treated for gunshot injuries.
The apartment complex, located at 2000 Salem Road, only recently celebrated its official opening.
Beaufort Police officers responded to a report of shots fired at 6:25 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a man outside with a gunshot wound.
Officers rendered aid to the man until EMS arrived at the scene and transported the man to Beaufort Memorial Hospital.
A second man had fled the scene in a vehicle but was quickly tracked down by police when the vehicle came to a stop when the driver, who has sustained three gunshot wounds, was unable to drive any farther.
Officers also administered aid to that man, as well, until EMS was able to transport him to Beaufort Memorial Hospital.
The two parties likely exchanged gunfire in an isolated event, according to the Beaufort Police Department.
Gasnel O’Bryan Miller, 35, was arrested on Saturday, May 31, and has been charged with discharging a firearm into a vehicle; breach of peace, aggravated in nature; pointing and presenting a firearm at another person; discharging firearms within the city limits; and possession with intent to distribute.
Miller was still confined at the Beaufort County Detention Center, as of Tuesday afternoon, June 3.
A press release sent out by the City of Beaufort on Tuesday addresses the recent spike in criminal activity at the Garden Oaks Apartment complex.
The Beaufort Police Department along with city leadership and property management have worked together to enhance the law enforcement presence through targeted enforcement efforts and stronger coordination with management, according to the release.
A Police Substation has been established in an apartment on-site to help increase police visibility and responsiveness, while more than 60 extra patrols and foot patrols have been added.
Nine Writs of Eviction have been filed by management including one for a suspect that was tied to the shooting on Wednesday.
Additionally, a community meeting is scheduled for the residents in hopes of engaging the residents and promoting safety.
The release also stated that the violent crimes don’t appear to be stemming from residents, but instead from people who are visiting the tenants or trespassing on the property.
City Council is anticipated to discuss the possibility of introducing a new nuisance abatement ordinance during its Work Session meeting on June 10.
The ordinance would help to define, prohibit and establish clear procedures for the abatement of public nuisances and allow for more effective enforcement and accountability procedures, according to the release.
“We cannot allow violent crime to erode the quality of life in our community,” said Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall. “We must take every reasonable measure to deter it proactively and ensure maximum accountability when it occurs.”
In December, police responded to the death of 62-year-old Huey Marshall, and found him with his throat slit.
Bryan Antwan Thomas, 35, is facing charges for murder in connection with Marshall’s death. He was also charged with meth trafficking, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and violation of probation terms.
In February, Derrick Lamonte Singleton Jr. was charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and discharging a firearm into a vehicle in the shooting death of 26-year-old Tahir A. Bailey.
Anyone with information about Wednesday’s shooting incident is asked to contact Lt. Mendicino at 843-322-7911.
To remain anonymous, tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County by the P3 Tips app, online at www.TIPSBFT.com or by calling 1-844-TIPSBFT (1-844-847-7238) and giving the reference case #25B18445.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
