WINNSBORO – Two teens suspected of involvement in a series of drive-by shootings in Winnsboro were arrested Thursday night, Aug. 18, by Fairfield County Sheriff’s deputies.
Fairfield County Sheriff Will Montgomery said the arrests were made following a traffic stop at Smallwood Road and Bellfield Road (Ridgeway) on a Silver Toyota Four Runner. The two teens, both 17, were in the vehicle.
Deputies also located two loaded hand guns, multiple magazines, marijuana and a substantial amount of ammunition in the vehicle. After being taken into custody, the two teens were turned over to the Winnsboro Department of Public Safety (WDPS).
Ten drive-by shootings have been reported in Winnsboro since April 21, leaving five teens wounded. The latest shooting, according to law enforcement, occurred Aug. 11, in the Zion Hill section of Winnsboro, leaving a 17-year-old with gunshots to his upper chest and along his chin.
Montgomery told The Voice that his office has had a number of deputies working overtime recently to assist the WDPS in finding and arresting several suspects in the various drive-by shootings.
“On Thursday night, we had eight deputies working overtime, and we’re going to continue that until we get these criminals off our streets and in jail,” Montgomery said.
The two teens were each charged with unlawful carry, possession of a firearm by persons under 21, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
He said his deputies have been working with WDPS and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to put an end to the drive-by shootings and other gun violence in the town and county.
To provide the Sheriff’s Office with information concerning the drive-by shootings or other crimes, call 803-635-4141