A drive-by shooting, with no relation to Winthrop University, occurred near campus on Friday, April 16. No one was killed or injured in the shooting and three suspects were in custody by 5:40 p.m. that same day. A WU Alert was sent to students, faculty and staff at 4:40 p.m. on Friday that read, “Shooting suspect in vicinity of campus. Black male, possibly in gray shorts. May be armed. Last seen at Eden and Charlotte. If seen, call 911.”
At 5:40 p.m., a second WU Alert was sent to students, faculty and staff that read, “Shooting suspect in custody. All clear.”
According to the Rock Hill Police Department, “A Rock Hill Police officer, in an unmarked vehicle, witnessed suspects in a silver Impala shoot into a residence on Lancaster Avenue.”
The officer then followed the vehicle and as more officers joined, a chase began and the Impala ran a traffic light at Eden Terrace and Charlotte Avenue and hit another car. At that time, officers were able to apprehend two of the suspects and the third was apprehended after other units,
including K-9, joined the search, according to a statement by the Rock Hill Police Department.
“The streets filled with sirens and everything just happened so fast. It was honestly such an insane experience,” said Gabby Gardner, a senior integrated marketing and communications major who witnessed the initial arrest. “I was actually taking a nap when I heard an extremely loud bang. I looked out of the window and the entire power line was shaking. I ran to the window and one of the suspects got out of the car and started running but he didn’t get very far before cops tackled him to the ground and arrested him. The other suspect, I assume was the driver, was yanked out of the car window from the passenger side by other police. Cops and blue lights were immediately everywhere in front of our house…. I’m just glad no one was hurt and that everyone is safe. Just a reminder to Winthrop students on and off campus, always lock your doors because you never know what could happen.”
Photo by Philip Nelson
