Columbia drive-by shooter fires rifle — and another man shoots back, video shows
Bullets were flying in multiple directions in a video of a drive-by shooting that was released by the Columbia Police Department on Tuesday.
The video of the May 11 incident shows suspects in two cars pull up near a home at the intersection of King and Bratton streets at 2:30 a.m. and open fire. It is not clear if the residence police identified in a news release as 1133 King St. was the intended target.
After both cars pull away, another man can be seen in the video running after them while returning fire with a handgun.
Police released the video in an effort to get help from the community in identifying the people involved in the shooting.
As the first car pulls up, a person in the front passenger seat leans out of the window while armed with a rifle, video shows. The weapon appears similar to an M-16, and the person wielding it “shoots toward a home and other property,” police said in a news release.
Before the first car has pulled away, the video shows a second car follow behind it with a person in the back seat emerging through a window with a pistol and firing.
Moments after the cars drive down the road, an unidentified man can be seen in the video chasing after them on foot while firing a gun.
Police responded to the scene after being notified by Columbia’s recently unveiled ShotSpotter system, which Police Chief Skip Holbrook said can alert police within 45 seconds when a gun is fired, The State reported.
No injuries were reported in the hail of gunfire, but there was property damage as police said bullets hit a vehicle and homes, according to the news release.
While investigators collected “valuable evidence,” anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip.
