Ridgeland, South Carolina. A tragic fight at a local barbershop has prompted a family to come out, leaving the neighborhood concerned.
Curtis Scott, 55, who suffered from mental health issues, was shot during an alleged attempted robbery.
His family wants people to remember Curtis as a father, brother, and son, rather than the moment he died.
Curtis entered Jay’s Barbershop in Ridgeland last Thursday with a machete, apparently intending to rob the establishment.
He died after being shot by one of the barbers inside.
Now his family wants everyone to know that Curtis was not a criminal. He wasn’t attempting to harm anyone. He was simply a sick man.
“We are just, just so sorry,” said Curtis’ sister, Lahoma Scott. “What happened was not right. It was wrong in every way.”
“I’m sure that barber is going through something like that, and the customer is in there, afraid and fearful for their life. “He did what he had to do to protect both his customers and himself,” Lahoma explained.
Lahoma characterized her brother as numerous things.
“A good person, brother, and uncle. He has a daughter attending college. “He has a son in Brooklyn, New York,” explained Lahoma. “He enjoyed the outdoors. He adored animals. “He loved to paint.”
But Curtis also suffered from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
The family stated that he was diagnosed almost ten years ago.
According to Lahoma, Curtis visited their mother’s residence just two days before the event. She claimed her mother pointed out that Curtis appeared to be off.
The family confirmed that he was no longer taking his medication.
“People who came by knew Curtis, and it was difficult for them to believe that ‘No, that’s not Curtis.'” Curtis did not do that. That does not sound like him.’ But, regrettably, it was,” explained Lahoma.
According to Lahoma, people suffering from mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are often unaware that they are acting abnormally when they do not take their medicine.
She stated that this can lead to blunders and conclusions that are not consistent with conventional or regular thinking.
“When you’re not in the correct frame of mind, it may be devastating. “It could be bad,” Lahoma stated.
Lahoma stated that Curtis has also been seen with persons who the family believes took advantage of her brother’s problems. They even suspect Curtis may have been pressured into the robbery.
The family also believes that if Curtis was present, he would apologize profusely.
“He was the type of person who would apologize if he did or said something wrong to someone. He would return and apologize because, as he always said, “In order to be right with yourself, you must be right with the next person,” Lohoma explained.
The family expressed hope that their apologies will be received, but they understand if it takes time.
“It’s hard to move on when it’s something that was not a good thing, and that was not a good thing that he did,” claimed Lahoma.
The family stated that a mental health counselor will speak at Curtis’ memorial event. Lahoma stated that mental health discussions are more necessary than ever.
“A lot of folks out there need support. They’re not sure where to go, who to talk to, or how to express themselves. So, if you see someone struggling or someone you know who doesn’t seem right, just ask them if they’re okay,” Lahoma advised. “Can you do anything for them?” Can you call someone? Can we pray for you? You understand, because mental health is real. It’s real. And a lot of people are suffering from it.”
The Ridgeland Police Department is searching for a second person of interest in the attempted robbery.
If you have any information about the event, they ask that you contact Ridgeland Police Department.
If you or someone you know requires mental health assistance, WSAV offers a list of crisis hotlines easily available.
