Deputies survive ambush during SC shooting, and an update is expected soon

Richland County deputies came under heavy gunfire from multiple shooters while investigating a shootings in Columbia’s Summit area in early June. One man was killed after deputies returned fire, and the sheriff said it was “by the grace of God” that no deputies died.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott is expected to give update on the incident on Friday, June 12 at 3 p.m.

FULL STORY: 1 dead in overnight shootings in Columbia. SC deputies survived by ‘grace of God’

Here are key takeaways:

• Three Richland County deputies were investigating two separate shootings near Summit Ridge Drive between midnight and 2 a.m. on Thursday, June 4 when they were ambushed by gunfire from multiple directions.
• Qwa’Maurie A. Deaver, an 18-year Columbia resident, was found fatally injured in a car after deputies returned fire. He died despite deputies administering medical aid.
• The deputies — K-9 Specialist Samantha Ramirez, K-9 Specialist Zaid Abdullah and Master Deputy Nicholas Carroll — were led behind a Legend Oaks home by K-9 Jet when suspects opened fire with high-powered rifles and pistols.
• Two homes on Spring Oak Drive and Sagamare Road were struck repeatedly by bullets in the earlier shootings. Sheriff Leon Lott said up to 10 individuals may have been involved.
• One person has been detained, and investigators are asking residents near Fox Grove Circle, Royce Court, Summit Ridge or Bombing Ridge to share any Ring camera footage.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.

This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 1:24 PM.