Richland County deputies searching for attempted murder suspect

Richland County sheriff’s deputies are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a suspect connected to an attempted murder investigation.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said deputies are searching for 25-year-old Walter Leroy Beaton II who is wanted for attempted murder.

Lott said on Nov. 1 at 2 a.m., deputies responded to a bar located in the 10000 block of Two Notch Road in reference to a shooting. When deputies arrived, Lott said they located a victim lying on the floor suffering from a gunshot wound to the lower body.

The victim was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for non life-threatening wounds, Lott said.

Lott said further investigation into the incident revealed that Beaton and the victim were involved in a verbal altercation that became physical, which is when Beaton pulled out a gun and shot the victim. Deputies were able to identify Beaton as the suspect in the case after interviewing witnesses and acquaintances.

Lott said that Beaton is described as a black male standing 5-foot 7-inches tall, weighs approximately 205 pounds and has black dreadlocks with brown eyes.

Anyone who has information regarding Beaton’s whereabouts is urged to call Crimestoppers at 1 (888)-CRIME-SC.