WINNSBORO – The Fairfield County Sheriff’s office was notified a little after 8 p.m. Monday evening that a 16-year-old shooting victim was at MUSC Fairfield in Winnsboro. The injured juvenile was transported to a hospital in Columbia for treatment.
Once deputies responded, it was determined that the shooting had occurred in the Town of Winnsboro’s jurisdiction.
At this time, according to Winnsboro Police Chief Kevin Lawrence, it appears that the shooting was accidental and that there is no threat to the community. It also appears that no charges will be brought against the suspect, also a juvenile, who Lawrence said is being fully cooperative.
“Had this weapon been stored properly, the juveniles would not have had access to the weapon,” Lawrence said. “I want to emphasize the importance of gun safety because that can sometimes be the difference between life and death. Thank goodness that no one was fatally injured. Our prayers go out to the victim and the family as the road to recovery begins.
“I would like to thank the community for its assistance in this matter along with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office who worked closely with WDPS to investigate this incident,” Lawrence said. “Hopefully moving forward the community will begin to see how the agencies working together will help keep the city and our county a better place to live, work and visit”
More information about the shooting will be provided as it becomes available.
