Columbia Police Department (CPD) investigators have arrested a 22-year-old Hopkins man in connection with a Five Points shooting that injured three people.
Arthur Jones, Junior (DOB: 7-15-1995) is charged with Three Counts of Attempted Murder and Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime. Jones will be heading to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC) momentarily.
His bond hearing is expected at approximately 9:00 a.m. tomorrow at the detention center.
Several investigators working through the night identified Jones and determined that he was the primary shooter.
Initial information indicates that Jones was involved in an unknown argument with another male before he allegedly shot multiple times into a large crowd.
Two of the victims remain in critical condition, while the third is in stable condition. A CPD victim advocate is assisting the men and their families.
After seeing themselves on the news, Jones and the three men captured in the surveillance pictures turned themselves in to CPD investigators.
It is not believed that the three men were directly involved in the shooting, therefore, no charges will be filed against them at this time.
CPD has contacted its federal partners and additional charges against Jones may be forthcoming in this developing investigation.
Recap of Crime:
At 2:00 a.m. (March 18), CPD officers were on foot patrol near Greene and Harden Streets and heard gunshots nearby.
Officers immediately located two injured victims in the 2000 block of Greene Street. Officers rendered medical aid until ambulances arrived to transport the victims to a local hospital.
Moments later, a third victim was located at the intersection of Greene and Pavillion Streets.
The victims who are in their early 20’s are not from Columbia. A 23-year-old is from Raleigh, North Carolina and attends St. Augustine University. A 22-year-old is stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, while a 20-year-old is from Winnsboro.
CPD officers have been processing the crime scene through the night and recovered ballistic and video evidence. During the initial response to the shooting, officers observed several people capturing the scene and incident on smartphones.
Anyone with video or pictures from the incident is still encouraged to call Columbia Police Department (CPD) Headquarters at (803) 545-3500.
** Jones’ booking photograph is not available at this time **