Teen charged in shooting that had multiple Midlands schools locked down, SC cops say
One man was seriously injured and a teenager is behind bars after a shooting that prompted multiple Midlands schools in the area to be locked down, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said Monday.
The shooting happened at the Pilgrim’s Pride meat processing plant in Sumter County, the sheriff’s office said in a news release. That’s the former Gold Kist facility in the 2000 block of U.S. 15, about 2.5 miles from the intersection with U.S. 521.
Pocalla Springs Elementary School, Furman Middle School, and Lakewood High School are all Sumter District 2 schools within 5 miles of the plant and were under a lockdown in response to the shooting, according to the release.
The sheriff’s office said the lockdown at the schools was lifted at about 12:30 p.m., which was confirmed by Sumter District 2. The lockdown included securing exterior doors and locking students and teachers in classrooms, the Sumter Item reported.
The incident started as a fight in the parking lot and turned into a shooting at about 10:45 a.m., according to the release.
Three people who knew each other were involved in the incident, the sheriff’s office said.
One man suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital, according to the release. Further information on his condition was not made available, but the sheriff’s office said he is expected to recover.
The sheriff’s office said the incident is under control, and is considered isolated.
Jeffrey Leverne Green was arrested on charges of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, the sheriff’s office said.
No bond has been set for the 18-year-old Sumter resident, who remains behind bars at the Sumter-Lee Detention Center, jail records show. Green is scheduled to appear before a judge on the charges again on June 4, Sumter County court records show.
Information on a motive for the fight that led to the gunfire was not available.
The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the shooting and said more charges are pending.
Charges are pending against Green from a previous arrest on Jan. 4, 2021, when he was accused of armed robbery, unlawful carrying of a pistol, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and sale or delivery of pistol — or stolen pistol, court records show.
Green was released on $25,000 bond on the combined charges from the January arrest, according to court records.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published April 26, 2021 at 12:32 PM.
