Charleston police investigating three separate weekend shooting incidents

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Officers across the City of Charleston are investigating three separate shooting incidents that happened over the weekend, which resulted in several people being hospitalized.

Incident 1: Stolen vehicle crash leads to Good Samaritan being shot, injured

Charleston County deputies were pursuing a stolen vehicle on Saturday around 3 a.m. in West Ashley. The vehicle entered downtown Charleston, and authorities called off the pursuit, according to the Charleston Police Department.

Shortly after, the stolen vehicle crashed at Romney Street and North Romney Street.

As officers investigated, they learned that a bystander had witnessed the crash and went to the stolen vehicle to help. When the Good Samaritan went to help, they were shot by an occupant of the vehicle.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for their injury. They have since been released.

Police utilized a K9 unit to help track down the suspects, who were arrested quickly, the department stated.

The 15-year-old suspect is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, two counts of leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, and reckless driving.

The 13-year-old suspect is charged with attempted murder, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (1st degree), and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.

Incident 2: Teen robbed at gunpoint in West Ashley

Authorities responded to the Spanish Oaks Apartments in West Ashley around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday. When they arrived, officers spoke with a teen victim who said he was robbed at gunpoint while sitting on his front porch.

The victim said he then refused to comply with the suspect, who was demanding money. As a result, the victim was pistol-whipped and shot.

The teen was taken to a nearby hospital, and police said he is expected to recover. No suspects have been arrested.

Police said that the victim and the suspects knew each other, and this was not a random encounter. Multiple people were involved in this incident.

Incident 3: Officers respond to downtown Charleston shooting

Officers were patrolling the area of America Street and Johnson Street in the early morning hours on Sunday when they heard 10-12 gunshots.

Soon after hearing the shots, they located a teen victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

The teen was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

As police were helping the victim, “a large and unruly crowd gathered, creating a volatile situation,” the department said.

Several backup units and agents from nearby jurisdictions were called to assist.

No suspects have been arrested in connection with this incident. Once again, this was not a random encounter, and there was a known association between the individuals involved.

Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker said, “This weekend’s violence was largely driven by teenagers with guns. It is a hard reminder of a deeper issue. One that does not begin on our streets, but at home. These are not isolated events; they are symptoms of a larger challenge we must all confront together. Public safety demands that we take these matters seriously, and the Charleston Police Department will continue to tackle this head-on. We will not accept this level of violence as a repetitive norm. It is up to all of us – families, communities, and institutions alike – to change the trajectory of this unacceptable behavior.”

All three incidents remain under active investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Charleston Police Department at 843-720-2422 (ask for the on-duty Central Detective) or submit a tip online at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.