Spring Valley teacher expected to make full recovery after being shot in armed robbery

A Spring Valley High School teacher is finally home and is expected to make a full recovery after he was shot during an armed robbery outside of his home May 13.

Police say Martin Sims, a 9th-grade math teacher, was shot by 24-year-old Christopher Keitt just before 8 a.m. outside of his home located in the 2100 block of Barhamville Road near Elmwood Avenue.

Columbia police said as Sims was getting into his vehicle to go to the school, he was approached by Keitt who was allegedly there to steal Sims’ 2007 Chrysler 300.

As Sims attempted to escape from Keitt, he was shot in the chest. The bullet narrowly missed Sims’ heart and pierced his lung, Sims said in a statement.

Keitt was able to escape in Sims’ vehicle, but he was found two days later by police at the Hillendale Apartments at 525 Alcott Drive. Keitt has been charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, first-degree burglary, grand larceny, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, discharging a firearm into a dwelling and unlawful carrying of a pistol, according to Columbia police spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons.

“As we recover from this recent, life-changing incident, I would like everyone to know that I am expected to gain full recovery of my mind and body in due time,” Sims said in a statement released Tuesday. “Currently, daily progress is being made and your prayers for me and my family are being answered.”

Sims’ family has set up a GoFundMe page for people to donate money to alleviate some of the pressures of paying the $45,000 in medical bills and other costs associated with Sims’ recovery.

Previous Coverage:

Columbia police arrest Barhamville Road shooting suspect

Columbia police identify suspect in Barhamville Road shooting

This story was originally published June 9, 2015 at 2:06 PM with the headline "Spring Valley teacher expected to make full recovery after being shot in armed robbery."