Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook announces the arrest of a 49-year-old man in connection with yesterday’s deadly shooting investigation in South Columbia.
Craig Lamar Edwards (DOB: 8-26-1970) is housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC) charged with Murder, Kidnapping, Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime, Possession of a Stolen Pistol, Unlawful Carrying of a Pistol, Possession of a Pistol by a Person Convicted of a Felony, and Failure to Stop for Blue Lights and Sirens.
Shortly before 2:00 p.m. on February 3, 2020, CPD officers responded to the 100 block of Rose Drive for a reported shots fired call. When officers arrived on scene, they found an unresponsive male on the ground outside of a home. After checking for signs of life, an officer rendered medical aid to the victim by performing CPR until EMS arrived on scene. Soon after, medical officials pronounced the victim deceased.
According to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts, Michael Booker (DOB:6-14-1966) died as a result of gunshot wounds to the upper body.
Suspect Edwards and the victim were acquaintances and the two were seen arguing before the shooting occurred.
Based on witness information that investigators received, after the shooting, suspect Edwards is accused of leaving the scene in a vehicle. As the vehicle description was broadcast over the police radio, a CPD officer spotted the car and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.
Suspect Edwards refused to stop for blue lights and sirens while the vehicle pursuit went through various parts of North Columbia to include Lorick Avenue and Columbia College Drive; Earlwood and Richfield Drive. The police pursuit came to rest at the 1200 block of Northwood Street. The suspect was initially detained for investigative questioning before being taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC).
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.