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Crimestoppers: Update – Attempted Murder Suspect Wanted

Columbia Police Department (CPD) investigators have identified a male suspect wanted in connection with a convenience store shooting last month.

Warrants for the arrest of 19-year-old Rayonne Ashford  have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.  Once located, Ashford will be charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime and Breach of Peace.

** Ashford should be considered armed and dangerous. **

In an effort to locate him, CPD has enlisted the assistance of the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

Incident Recap:

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on July 1, 2022, CPD officers responded to 2480 Millwood Avenue (Orange Party Shop) after receiving a ShotSpotter alert. Additional officers were dispatched to the scene. While immediately canvassing the area, officers found multiple shell casings outside and inside of the business. The ballistic evidence was collected for processing to aid the investigation.

CPD officers at the Orange Party Shop on Millwood Avenue after a reported shooting.

CPD officers were soon notified that a 19-year-old male arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the arm. Thankfully, his injury was not life-threatening.

Suspect Ashford is accused of arguing with the 19-year-old victim and a 15-year-old male outside of the convenience store moments before shots were fired. The 15-year-old was not struck by gunfire.

While the specific motive for the argument and shooting remains under investigation, investigators do not believe the incident was a random act of violence.

The case is assigned to the Violent Crime Against Persons (VCAP) Unit.

Police Chief W. H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook encourages citizens with information about the incident to contact CRIMESTOPPERS in any of the following ways:

CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC.

LOG onto: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab.

DOWNLOAD the new P3 Tips App for Apple or Android devices.

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