Blythewood teen charged in summer shooting

LEXINGTON, S.C. – Lexington County deputies have arrested a 19-year-old from Blythewood accused of firing shots that injured a man in a restaurant parking lot last summer.

Trennis Lakeith Sumpter Jr. is charged with attempted murder, criminal conspiracy and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to arrest warrants.

“Detectives have been pursuing leads on this case since it happened June 16,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “They’ve identified Sumpter as one of the people who lured the victim to a restaurant in the 200 block of Harbison Boulevard under the premise the victim would be meeting a woman.”

Sumpter shot the victim in the upper body, according to Koon.

“Several rounds struck and damaged the restaurant, which was closed when the shooting happened,” Koon said. “The victim drove himself to a hospital where he was treated for the gunshot wound. He eventually made a full recovery.

“We expect to make more arrests in this case,” Koon said. “Investigators are working to identify and locate other co-defendants who were on the scene and conspired with Sumpter to lure the victim to the parking lot.”

Koon encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to share their tip anonymously by using the Midlands Crimestoppers mobile app. Tipsters who provide information that leads to an arrest could be eligible for a cash reward.