Skip to main content
search

Two Suspected Overdose Deaths on Millwood this Weekend

The Columbia Police Department (CPD) and the Richland County Coroner’s Office (RCCO) continue to investigate the suspicious deaths of two males found on Millwood Avenue on Sunday, May 29, 2022. EMS personnel pronounced the men deceased on scene.

First Fatal Incident:

11:22 a.m.

2480 Millwood Drive – abandoned building

Per the RCCO, the man’s name is 68-year-old Johnny Drayton.

Second Fatal Incident:

11:30 a.m.

2559 Millwood Avenue (El Cheapo Laundry)

Per the RCCO, the man’s name is 51-year-old Sam McCray, Junior.

Given the evidence found at the scenes and information gathered during the incidents, CPD is investigating the cases as suspected drug overdose deaths.

While toxicology results are pending, CPD is issuing a general warning about the overall dangers of drug use and especially if drugs are mixed with fentanyl.

CPD’s Organized Crime and Narcotics (OCN) Unit is working with the RCCO to determine the exact causes of death from the Millwood incidents and if the two incidents are related.

According to CPD partner, the Drug Enforcement Administration, (DEA), there is ‘significant risk that illegal drugs have been intentionally contaminated with fentanyl.  Because of its potency and low cost, drug dealers have been mixing fentanyl with other drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, increasing the likelihood of a fatal interaction.’

Statistics:

According to preliminary information, so far this year, CPD has investigated 31 reported overdose incidents; 12 of which resulted in death compared to 17 overdose incidents last year and 11 fatal incidents.

CPD Narcan Deployment

In 2015, new legislation was passed in South Carolina, regarding opioid prevention. As a result, all CPD officers have been trained and equipped with opioid reversal medication, which can be administered to persons experiencing an opioid overdose, themselves or canines.

 

Through a partnership with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Columbia Police Department CPD officers have been equipped with naloxone.

 

Since 2017, (CPD) officers have been administering naloxone to persons experiencing an opioid overdose.  CPD officers are trained annually in the administration of naloxone through the Law Enforcement Officers Naloxone (LEON), a statewide effort that makes naloxone available to officers throughout the state and trains them in how to recognize overdose and administer naloxone to assist an individual until EMS arrives.

 

Survival Incident:

Also on Monday, officers responded to the 2400 block of Stark Street shortly before 9:30 a.m. for a possible overdose. EMS personnel administered two doses of Narcan successfully. Another dose was administered to the man at a local hospital.

To report drug use or distribution, contact the CPD Narcotics Tip Line at 803-545-3599 or

Crimestoppers: CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC.
LOG onto: www.CrimeSC.com and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab. DOWNLOAD the new P3 Tips App for Apple or Android devices.

 

Close Menu