A South Carolina man is in custody on many charges after an altercation about trash turned into a drive-by shooting, according to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office.
Desmond James, 24, a Blair resident, was charged on Monday with attempted murder, first-degree assault and battery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and refusal to stop for a blue light, according to a sheriff’s office news release.
According to the announcement, the allegations come from a shooting that occurred earlier Monday. The specific time and place of the firing were not known.
Deputies responded to reports of shots fired near a home in Lake Monticello, and witnesses informed them that the gunman fled the area in a black Dodge Neon, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies swiftly discovered the vehicle and engaged in a brief pursuit before the driver, later identified as James, surrendered without incident, according to the release.
Deputies stopped James and discovered spent bullet shells inside the vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.
According to the announcement, the shooting victims told authorities that James stopped in front of their driveway and fired multiple shots from his vehicle, striking one of the victims’ cars. According to the sheriff’s office, a witness confirmed James’ identity as the driver engaged in the shooting.
There were no injuries recorded.
According to the announcement, James was taken into custody and transported to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office for an interview. The sheriff’s office reported that James renounced his rights and acknowledged to shooting at the victims.
According to the announcement, James informed detectives that he had previously had a verbal confrontation with one of the victims, which had escalated after he claimed trash had been thrown at his vehicle.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that James is being held at the Fairfield County Detention Center. According to Fairfield County court records, bond for the combined offenses was set at $45,000 but has yet to be posted.
According to judicial records, James is set to return to court on December 10.
Despite James’ arrest, the sheriff’s office continues to investigate the shooting. Anyone with information regarding the shooting can call 803-635-4141 or leave an anonymous tip at 803-815-4191.
