Jerk Hut shooting suspect named by Richland County Sheriff

A suspect has been named in the Jerk Hut restaurant shooting, a 24-year-old Azavius Jones, said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott at a Thursday news conference.

Jones is at large, and being charged with one count of murder, five counts of attempted murder, shooting into an occupied structure, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of a weapon by convicted felon.

A reward of at least $1,000 is being offered, Lott said.

Lott said the restaurant will be permanently closed, marking the end of the rainy press conference by hanging a large gold chain over the door.

Lott said the department believes the Jerk Hut had the same owner as Relapse Bar and Grill, which was operating without a business license and closed after a May 10 police shooting. Lott also said the owner has been informed the business will not be allowed to reopen.

Lott said The Jerk Hut had insufficient, underqualified security, and that he wanted the permanent closure to send a strong message.

“This is a warning for other clubs out here who are making blood money, and people are dying and getting shot,” Lott said. “I think this community is tired of me having to get up and do a press conference.”

The early-morning June 14 shooting was initially reported to have killed one Irmo man, 25-year-old Ty’shon Vogt and injured seven others. Located at 1004 Zimalcrest Drive, the Jamaican restaurant is off of Broad River Road beside a barbershop and convenience store.

No suspects were identified or arrested by the sheriff’s department in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and restaurant security had been unable to get a clear view of the shooter.

The day after the shooting, locals shopping at the convenience store expressed sadness and frustration at the killing and relaxed gun regulations they felt have made it too easy to gain access to a firearm.

This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 4:06 PM.