Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook announces that charges have been filed against four male suspects in connection with the overnight shooting investigation in the Vista.
Arrest warrants have been issued for the following male suspects:
• John Bates, Junior (Black Male, DOB: 6-2-1989) Seven Counts of Attempted Murder, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Violent Crime and Possession of a Weapon by a Person Convicted of a Violent Crime.
• Jarvis Tucker (Black Male, DOB: 8-29-1991) Accessory After the Fact
• Keveas Gallman (Black Male, DOB: 5-27-1989) One Count of Attempted Murder, Unlawful Possession of a Pistol, Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime.
• Maleik Houseal (Black Male, DOB: 5-30-1995) Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Crime of Violence.
Houseal was injured during the shooting incident and hospitalized. He will remain under police guard until his release at which time he will be arrested and processed for the aforementioned charges.
Further charges in this case are forthcoming.
The Initial Call for Service:
Officers were dispatched shortly after 2:00 a.m. today, September 16, 2017 to 920 Lady Street for a shots fired call outside the Empire Supper Club in the Vista. The shots were first heard by patrolling CPD officers who were nearby.
Officers arrived within seconds of hearing the gunfire and asked for additional officers to assist with the incident. CPD encountered dozens of patrons running in various directions and away from the Club.
As a result of the shooting, eight people were wounded by gunfire; 4 females and 4 males, ranging from 22 to 52-years-old. All are being treated at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital with conditions ranging from stable to critical.
One CPD officer applied a tourniquet to the leg of one gunshot victim and rendered aid until EMS arrived. Other victims were treated and transported by EMS or self-transported to area hospitals.
Columbia Police investigators have now positively identified a vehicle of interest in connection with the shooting; a black, 2006 BMW 3-Series with South Carolina plate NLB-507. (Picture attached, not actual car).
As early as this afternoon, Chief Holbrook declared the Empire Supper Club a public nuisance and revoked the business license. The grounds for this revocation are found in Section 8-31 (c) 5 of the City of Columbia’s Code of Ordinance. CPD officers have padlocked and posted the public nuisance order on the front door.
The business has been open since October 16, 2015 and according to its website, operates Wednesday – Saturday, 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. It is owned and operated by Joseph Stovall.
Initial investigation findings have determined that the shooting incident was an intentional act between various people and not a random act of violence against the public.
“We have got to recognize that gun crime is real and cannot be tolerated. It’s not just a police issue. It is everyone’s issue. We have to take a holistic approach as a community; violent crime prevention, education, legislation, harsher penalties and zero tolerance. We need people who see something to say something. Become engaged and a partner with us in preventing and solving crimes.” Chief Holbrook says.
Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson adds, “I’m so proud of the department for the immediate response. Within seconds, our officers were in place and rendered aid to those who were hurt. We know that bad things happen and bad people come into our community and do bad things but this is a safe community.”
Mayor Benjamin denounces the violence by saying, “Our City is alive and vibrant today with Carolina Football, the Greek Festival, the Soda City Market and the Jubilee Festival. We are thankful for our men and women in law enforcement. Our businesses are open and we are not going to let some outside troublemakers define who we are to our guests. We continue to pray for all of the innocent souls and families hurt last night. The Columbia Police Department (CPD), Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD), Federal and State law enforcement agencies continue to investigate this matter. All of those responsible for these crimes will be brought to justice.”
Please know, CPD will continue to have a strong presence in the Vista and surrounding areas.
On behalf of Chief Holbrook and the CPD, we would like to say thank you to all citizens who have offered their prayers and well-wishes for those injured as well as police officers who have been working around the clock to solve this investigation.
Citizens with information about case are encouraged to 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.
