Suspects sought in shooting at unregulated party | Crime

The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is seeking additional information about a shooting incident that occurred this weekend at the VFW building located on Old Whitmire Highway just outside of Newberry. 

Deputies responded to a shots fired call at the VFW building around 2:00 a.m., Saturday morning, according to sheriff’s deputies.

Deputies say upon arrival,  the shooters had already fled the scene and officers were able to locate several vehicles that had been shot during the incident. 
A short time later, investigators say three people arrived at Newberry Memorial Hospital with gunshot wounds.

According to the report, one of the men was shot in the calf; one was shot in the arm, and one shot in the back.

All three were treated and released from the hospital.

Law enforcement has declined to identify the victims at this time citing the integrity of the investigation. 

Investigators are seeking information on the identities of the shooters. They believe that there is more than one shooter because more than one caliber of weapon was fired during the incident.

In addition, investigators say they’re attempting to determine if this shooting is related to other shootings that have occurred in and around the Newberry area. 

“We simply cannot and will not allow random shooting and violence to occur in our community,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “We are asking the community to join forces with us to arrest those responsible for this incident and to continue to make Newberry County the safest place in South Carolina.” 

Sheriff Foster says that these investigations are often hampered because these are unregulated parties and those who have them seek the money of the event with no supervision and then refuse to cooperate when something goes wrong. 

Sheriff Foster added, as part of their get tough attack on these type shooting incidents, the Sheriff’s Office will when applicable turn over weapons violations to the federal authorities. 

A substantial reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this crime. 

“These type incidents are very serious and we are extremely fortunate someone has not been killed,” said Sheriff Foster. “We are going to hold not only the shooters responsible, but also those who create an environment where such activity is allowed and then covered up.” 

“We have worked too hard in Newberry County to establish a safe community and a spirit of cooperation to allow a few to tear that away,” Foster continued. “If you chose to participate in this activity or cover it up then expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” 

Sheriff Foster said that the Sheriff’s Office will pursue both criminal action and civil liability against those who chose to host and operate these unregulated parties.

If you have any information about this crime, you are urged to contact Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.