Sumter man, 23, killed in shooting incident

A 23-year-old Sumter man died from an apparent gunshot wound at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital early Sunday morning.
The incident occurred at about 2:15 a.m. outside a bar on Peach Orchard Road, where Nigel Scott Batts was reportedly shot, Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker said.
According to a Sumter County Sheriff’s Office incident report, officers were called to the hospital in reference to Batts arriving in a 2020 gray Nissan Versa. Two individuals dropped him off and left the hospital.
A hospital employee knew the victim and was asked if she recognized the two individuals caught in a surveillance video.
The incident report claimed the employee recognized the driver, a 25-year-old Sumter man, and asked him to return to the hospital to talk with officers. He returned with a 24-year-old Sumter man who was with him for the transport.
The pair stated they were at the Melted Whiskey on Peach Orchard Road when they walked over to the front of M&M Carpet, where the shooting occurred, the report stated.
The driver told officers that Batts was shot, so he put him in his car and drove him to the hospital.
Next of kin has been notified, and an autopsy is scheduled at the Medical University of South Carolina on Wednesday morning.
According to Deputy Adrienne Sarvis, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, no arrests have been made, but there is a person of interest.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 436-2000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Tips can also be submitted electronically and anonymously by going to p3tips.com.
An investigation is continuing for this case, but Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said he has plans to shut down the local bar following repeated violent crimes reported there.

Sarvis noted four incidents that have occurred in recent years at or near the Melted Whiskey:
-In November 2019, a reckless driver caused damage to a neighboring business while leaving the rear parking lot of Melted Whiskey.
-In February 2020, a non-fatal shooting incident resulted in multiple vehicles sustaining damage.
-In July 2020, a non-fatal shooting incident occurred in the business’ parking lot.
-In December 2020, a fight involving three women took place where two sustain stab wounds from a knife.
Sarvis said multiple reports of theft, property damage and assaults have also been reported over the years.
“This incident has solidified my decision to initiate an injunction with Sumter County Council to have the Melted Whiskey shut down for the safety of the community,” Dennis said. “Our deputies have responded to numerous concerning calls for service at that bar, including impaired driving that led to thousands of dollars in damage to a neighboring business, dangerous fights and shootings. I have received multiple complaints from citizens about the Melted Whiskey, which I consider to be a nuisance to the other businesses in that plaza as well as nearby businesses and residential areas due to a lack of proper security.”

According to Sarvis, Dennis is scheduled to meet with members of Sumter County Council’s public safety committee Tuesday evening. If council approves the sheriff’s request for an injunction to close the Melted Whiskey, a notice will be sent to the business and then there will be a hearing.

Sarvis said it will take a few weeks before anything can officially be filed for the injunction if council approves the request.