MARION COUNTY — Four suspects are in custody following a shooting Tuesday afternoon in the Bethel Church community that led to a vehicle crash and an extensive search for suspects who fled on foot, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded at approximately 1:20 p.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting near Sims Lane.
The suspects fled the area in a vehicle but later wrecked, authorities said. Four people then ran from the crash scene.
One suspect was taken into custody shortly afterward near the intersection of Bethel Church and Crawley roads. Deputies later arrested two more suspects on Bethel Church Road near Windham Road.
The final suspect fled into a heavily wooded area, prompting an extensive search. While deputies were searching, Marion County Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a man walking through a backyard on Miller Road.
Deputies responded to the area and ultimately located the final suspect on Robbins Wilks Road, authorities said.
All four suspects are now in custody, and there is no longer an active search connected to the incident.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Columbia Police Department and other agencies that responded or were preparing to assist. Authorities also credited residents of the Bethel Church community and surrounding areas for reporting suspicious activity and providing information during the search.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities said additional information about the shooting, those involved and possible charges will be released as the investigation progresses.
