Sumter sheriff's office seeks public's help in solving shooting that left child 'severely injured'

A child is in critical condition after multiple gunshots were fired into a home early Monday.

A Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on patrol in the Thomas Sumter Highway and Four Bridges Road area when several gunshots were heard at about 1:42 a.m. Monday. While responding to the gunfire, dispatch received a call reporting shots fired at a home between West Brewington Road and Thomas Sumter Highway.

According to Mark Bordeaux, public information officer for Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived and were directed inside a home by family members who said a young family member had been shot. The age of the child has not been released.

EMS arrived and transported the child to the hospital. At the time of the news release on Monday afternoon, the child’s condition is critical, Bordeaux said.

Investigators are examining evidence and witness testimony to identify the person or persons responsible for the shooting.

Sheriff Anthony Dennis stated the sheriff’s office is committed to “not only solving this crime” but “partnering with the community and stopping the senseless gun violence,” as the gravity of the issue was highlighted this morning as “a child lies in the hospital fighting for his life instead of going to school.”

“It is critical that we all join and stop these cowardly acts and bring those responsible to justice,” Bordeaux said. “Sheriff Dennis and the many law-abiding citizens of our great county are sick and tired of these violent acts that are being committed.”

Anyone with information that may help identify those responsible for this shooting is asked to call 911 or the sheriff’s office during business hours at (803) 436-2000. Information can also be reported using p3tips.com or the P3 Tips app for mobile devices.

You can earn a reward and remain anonymous.