Nearby driver dies from injuries in North Purdy Street shooting; Sumter officers seek public's help

An innocent driver was killed after an exchange of gunfire between people in two other vehicles on Monday afternoon, May 20, along North Purdy Street.

Sumter police are seeking the public’s help after reports of a shooting between two vehicles traveling along North Purdy Street near Broad Street after 12:30 p.m. on Monday.

According to Tonyia McGirt, public information officer with Sumter Police Department, officers responded to the scene and learned that a nearby vehicle, which was not involved in the shooting, veered off the road. The driver, whose name has not been released to the public, was injured from an apparent gunshot wound and after receiving care on scene was taken to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital where he died from his injures on Tuesday afternoon, McGirt said.

An autopsy has been scheduled by Sumter County Coroner’s Office.

An investigation is ongoing, and officers are asking the public for any information describing the vehicles, persons involved or other knowledge they may have about the shooting. Information can be submitted by calling the police department immediately at (803) 436-2700.

Tips can also be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, online at p3tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app for mobile devices.