Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook is making a plea to the public to call the Columbia Police Department (CPD) or Crimestoppers with information about a rash of shootings in the City.
In two of the incidents, children were shot and at last check were listed in stable condition at a local hospital.
Chief Holbrook says, “Solving these crimes is a priority for us. We have several people reviewing the cases including the Midlands Gang Task Force to see if there is a gang connection or affiliation to these crimes. We know that violent crime is a motivating factor for gangs.”
While Investigators are working to determine crime motives, it is not believed at this time that the two children were specific targets. The young victims were likely injured by stray bullets.
“These cases are very troubling. One thing that has stood out is that we’ve had few tips or assistance from the public. What is lacking is consistent public involvement. We are appealing to our citizens in these affected neighborhoods. We are appealing to people’s hearts to help us solve these cases. “
In the most recent crime, an 11-year-old girl was shot in the neck while visiting family at 3619 Falling Springs Road shortly before 11:00 o’clock last night. It’s believed that someone fired multiple rounds at the apartment complex.
As Investigators continue to speak with witnesses and review evidence from the scene, they are releasing this below surveillance picture of the possible suspect’s car; a white, four-door vehicle that was seen leaving the area at the time of the incident.
The other case involving a child happened on August 7, 2016 shortly before midnight at 3641 Falling Springs Road. A 13-year-old boy was shot while inside his friend’s apartment.
It’s believed that the suspect or suspects were inside a light colored car and fired several rounds at the apartment. Officers are working leads in the case.
Here is a list of other recent shootings:
Murder
7/30/16
3400 Magrath Street 12:30 p.m.
Two men were shot; One fatally after the suspects fired multiple rounds from inside a car. Three men have been arrested and charged with the case.
They are:
Tyrone Hollins, Junior (DOB: 10-5-1992) is charged with Murder and Attempted Murder. His brother Keoki Hollins (DOB: 6-15-1995) is charged with Murder, Attempted Murder and Possession of a Firearm during a Violent Crime.
The other case involving a child happened on August 7, 2016 shortly before midnight at 3641 Falling Springs Road. A 13-year-old boy was shot while inside his friend’s apartment.
It’s believed that the suspect or suspects were inside a light colored car and fired several rounds at the apartment. Officers are working leads in the case.
Here is a list of other recent shootings:
Murder
7/30/16
3400 Magrath Street 12:30 p.m.
Two men were shot; One fatally after the suspects fired multiple rounds from inside a car. Three men have been arrested and charged with the case.
They are:
Tyrone Hollins, Junior (DOB: 10-5-1992) is charged with Murder and Attempted Murder. His brother Keoki Hollins (DOB: 6-15-1995) is charged with Murder, Attempted Murder and Possession of a Firearm during a Violent Crime.
8/4/16
2200 Harper Street 8:00 a.m.
Male victim was shot in the foot by an unknown female. The possible suspect vehicle is described as a silver, four-door sedan. The victim did not suffer a life-threatening injury and was not cooperative with Investigators.
Jamal Trutus Curtis Hughey (DOB: 9-19-1993) – Murder, Attempted Murder, and Possession of a Firearm during a Violent Crime.
Arrest Made; One Pending 8/5/2016
3600 Medical Park Drive 6:00 p.m.
Male victim was shot in the leg during a burglary at a Medical Park Drive apartment. The victim’s roommate, Tamika Weeks (DOB: 3-6-1987) has been arrested and charged with First Degree Burglary and First Degree Assault. Weeks allegedly hit the victim in the head with a lamp. Weeks’ boyfriend is accused of shooting the victim in the leg. The victim remains in stable condition. Investigators continue to work to positively identify the primary suspect.
Shots fired – Property Damage 8/5/2016
100 Lorick Circle
12:30 a.m.
At least four apartments were damaged by bullets. Officers continue to determine if there are any witnesses in this case. Investigators previously released a surveillance picture of a car of interest.
Property Damage 8/7/16
100 Miriam Avenue 9:30 a.m.
Female victim tells CPD that she was inside her vehicle when it was struck several times by bullets. The victim reported the crime to CPD the next day. Investigators are working to gather information on a possible suspect.
Again, the victim was not physically injured during the incident.
Pointing and Presenting a Firearm No Shots Fired/ Physical Injuries 8/7/2016
1085 Shop Road 9:30 a.m.
Female victim tells CPD that a male went to her apartment to make a noise complaint. During a brief conversation, the suspect is accused of lifting his shirt to display a handgun to the victim.
Arrest Made 8/7/2016
320 S. Beltline Blvd 8:45 p.m.
Antonio Howell (DOB: 7-17-1981) is charged with Discharging a Firearm into a Vehicle and Possession of a Firearm by Person Convicted of a Felony. The male victim tells CPD officers that he was shot in the upper body while arguing with Howell. A second victim was present during the shooting but was not injured. The male victim says he used a knife to stab the suspect during the argument. (The victim and suspect’s injuries are not life-threatening.) As the victims left the scene, the suspect is accused of firing several rounds at the vehicle but did not strike anyone. Bullets damaged the vehicle’s windshield and hood. Suspect Howell will be transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center upon release from a local hospital.
8/9/2016
2300 Richland Street Noon
Male victim tells CPD that he was shot in the leg during a robbery while walking at the intersection of Oak and Richland Streets. So far, the victim is not providing consistent information to officers and says he knows the suspect by sight only. At last check, the victim is in stable condition at a local hospital.
To reiterate, it is extremely important that citizens call Crimestoppers if they have information about these incidents.
Chief adds, “We understand the reluctance and fear. Folks have to have confidence in law enforcement that they can come to us. We just need the information. Confidentiality is important to us. Crimestoppers is important to us.”
Citizens can contact Crimestoppers in any of the following ways:
CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC.
TEXT to CRIMES (274637), and mark the beginning of the message with “TIPSC,” followed by the tip information.
LOG onto: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab.
