Man who shot at law enforcement officers is booked into Richland County jail, police say
The man who opened fire while walking down a busy Columbia road before shooting at law enforcement officers Tuesday has been booked into the Richland County jail on multiple charges.
The shooting happened shortly after 11:30 a.m. near the intersection of Greystone Boulevard and Stoneridge Drive, according to the Columbia Police Department.
Brandon Chanell Joyner is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, police said Wednesday. The 26-year-old was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder, in addition to counts of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, first-degree domestic violence, discharging a firearm into an occupied motor vehicle, possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime, unlawful carrying of a pistol and breach of peace (high and aggravated), jail records show.
A bond hearing for Joyner will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the county jail courtroom, according to police.
Joyner was shot in the upper body by a Columbia police officer during Tuesday’s incident and was taken to the jail after being released from an area hospital.
Two officers were injured in the incident.
One officer injured his knee while running toward the crime scene, and the other received “a small nick” while attempting to locate Joyner, according to police. Both officers were examined by medical personnel and cleared, police said.
No other injuries were reported.
At least one police car was shot multiple times, according to Deputy Chief Melron Kelly.
“At 11:37 a.m. Columbia Police Department received a call of a man with a gun firing shots into the air as he walked along Stoneridge, Greystone Boulevard area,” Kelly said at a Tuesday news conference, where he was joined by Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. “Officers arrived on scene approximately four minutes later and encountered the gentleman. He subsequently started firing at them. Officers returned fire, and he fled the area.”
Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene at about the same time as police officers, and Joyner opened fire on them as soon as one law enforcement officer stepped out of a patrol vehicle, according to Kelly.
Joyner encountered Richland County deputies after he was shot and ran away into a woodline in the area, Kelly said.
“He absolutely had no regard for the lives of the members of the public he was shooting at, nor the officers that encountered him,” Kelly said.
The deputy chief said Joyner is a “documented gang member” who is on probation and is prohibited from carrying a weapon.
Joyner has a criminal record that dates back to 2014, according to a background check obtained by The State. Court records show the 26-year-old has been convicted of multiple misdemeanor and felony offenses including disorderly conduct, burglary and assault and battery.
Just last year, Joyner was charged with publicly discharging a firearm in Greenwood and possessing a weapon as a convicted felon. He received bond on those charges and the case’s disposition remains pending.
There was no word about a motive for the gunfire Tuesday.
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 July 19, 2023 at 10:27 AM.
