Gaston, SC (Paul Kirby) – Detectives with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a shooting that happened Monday evening just north of Gaston. Deputies, EMTs, and firefighters were dispatched to State Pond Road around 7:15 p.m. The EMTs and firefighters stood-by for a short time before proceeding to the scene so deputies could ensure it was safe for the first responders.
Michelle Proffitt, digital communications coordinator with the sheriff’s department, said that it appeared this shooting was the result of a dispute between a landlord and tenant. Apparently, one "family" member had been evicted and had returned to the home at some point. A verbal altercation began that eventually turned violent. One of the parties involved eventually produced a gun and shot the other. She said that one man is being treated for a gunshot wound(s) to the groin. Proffitt also said that their investigators have identified the suspect and are seeking warrants. Deputies expect to make an arrest soon. She stressed this was not just a random act of violence and there was no danger to the general public.
Residents of the area said their neighborhood is normally quiet. One woman said she heard a noise outside and when she went to investigate, she saw deputies with K-9s close to her home. She continued by saying that crime scene trucks were at a neighbor's and had the yard taped off.
We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
