WINNSBORO – During the last three months there have been eight documented drive-by shooting incidents in Winnsboro. The last one – over the weekend – has left two juveniles shot, according to reports filed with the Winnsboro Police Department.
While members of the community are becoming increasingly fearful about the rash of drive-bys in the town, Winnsboro Department of Public Safety Chief John Seibles says he’s frustrated. He says the majority of the shootings appear to be gang-related retaliation.
He says WDPS has numerous warrants out on suspects. In June a 19-year-old was charged with attempted murder in connection with the sixth shooting, and several juveniles were arrested.
But the drive-by’s continue and, as of last weekend, are becoming more frequent and more dangerous.
The latest Winnsboro shooting occurred about 11:30 p.m. in the 200 block of Calhoun Street.
Officers determined that the shooter’s vehicle was driving west on Calhoun when they fired about 10 shots, hitting the two juveniles as they were walking west on Calhoun, according to the report.
A witness reported a gray sedan with tinted windows had driven slowly down Calhoun prior to the shooting.
One of the victims was shot in the back and the other initially told officers that a bullet grazed his stomach, but officers reported that he had difficulty standing and moving as he was loaded into the ambulance.
Officers reported that both victims were transported to Prisma Hospital in Columbia where they underwent surgery. Both were later reported to be in stable condition.
While officers were investigating the scene, Fairfield County deputies responded to another shooting just outside the Winnsboro town limits.
Fairfield County deputies also helped investigate the Calhoun Street scene where they recovered a shell casing, two bullets and a weapon-mounted light.
Officials say they have not yet determined if the two shootings are related.
