Three Sumter teens charged as adults in shooting

Three Sumter teenagers are being charged as adults after a 19-year-old was shot during an exchange of gunfire as he was leaving a local gym, according to the Sumter Police Department.

Quintez Ford, 19, was coming out of the South Sumter Gym, at about 12:30 p.m. when he was shot, said Sumter Public Information Officer Tonyia McGirt, adding Ford was taken to an area hospital where he underwent surgery and is listed in stable condition.

Quavez Young, 17, is charged with attempted murder, conspiracy, minor in possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle and discharging a firearm into an occupied building/structure, according to McGirt who said Young’s being held in the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center pending bond.

Tyriq Rembert, 16, and Shykeem Williams, 16, both are charged as adults with attempted murder as required by state law, McGirt said, adding the two also face charges in Family Court related to the shooting and are being held in the Department of Juvenile Justice facility in Columbia.

According to McGirt, Ford and the suspects are acquaintances and have been involved in an ongoing dispute. McGirt said there were no other injuries reported, but a vehicle that was passing by was struck.

McGirt said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.