Crime
24-year-old man killed in Sumter Walmart Shooting, suspect identified
Sumter, SC – Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred Friday afternoon at the Walmart Supercenter on Broad Street.
At a Friday evening news conference, Roark confirmed that Chanceler Lowery, 19, of Sumter, was taken into custody after being turned in by his parents.
At approximately 3 p.m. on February 14, Sumter police officers responded to reports of an active shooter at Walmart Supercenter.
Upon arrival, officers located a 24-year-old Jaquante Montgomery outside the store with an apparent gunshot wound.
Authorities have not yet determined where inside the store the shooting took place.
Life-saving measures were administered by officers and bystanders, but Jaquante Montgomery was later pronounced dead, Roark stated.
The Sumter County Coroner’s Office will release additional details regarding the victim at a later time.
No other injuries were reported, and officials confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the community following the incident.
A preliminary investigation indicates that Lowery and the victim were known to each other and had been experiencing ongoing disputes before the shooting.
Roark described the case as “fluid”, with interviews still ongoing. Authorities anticipate bringing in an additional individual for questioning.
“This is yet another example of young people possessing firearms and engaging in violent acts,” Roark said. “Unfortunately, this is not just happening in Sumter—it is a nationwide issue.”
Law enforcement will maintain a presence in the store area through Saturday morning as the investigation continues.
“This tragic event has deeply impacted our community,” Roark emphasized. “At a time when many were inside Walmart, finishing last-minute Valentine’s Day shopping, a senseless act of violence occurred. That is deeply concerning—not only for me but for our entire community. We do not take this lightly.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities will release further details as they become available.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.