UPDATE: Sumter chief confirms death of 24-year-old victim, announces arrest of 19-year-old suspect in Walmart shooting

At a news conference Friday evening, Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark announced the arrest of a suspect in connection to the fatal shooting at Walmart Supercenter earlier that day. 

Chanceler Lowery, 19, of Sumter, was turned in by his parents, Roark said. 

Just before 3 p.m. on Feb. 14, officers responded to an active shooter call at Walmart Supercenter on Broad Street. Upon arrival, one victim was located outside the store with an apparent gunshot wound. At this time, it is unknown where inside the store the incident occurred. Lifesaving measures were taken by officers and bystanders outside the store.

The 24-year-old victim was later pronounced dead, Roark said. More information will come from Sumter County Coroner’s Office at a later date. 

There were no other injuries reported and no further threat posed to the area, Roark said. 

A preliminary investigation indicated Lowery and the victim knew each other and had recently had issues with each other before the shooting. 

Roark described the investigation as “fluid” and that interviews are taking place and an additional individual will be brought in following the interview.

“It's just another example of young people with firearms and violent activity,” Roark said. “Not only is it happening in Sumter, it is happening nationwide.” 

Roark said police presence will be in the store area until Saturday morning. 

“We had a tragic event happen today that rocked our community. 
We have individuals inside of a store that many patrons were in. It's the eve hours of Valentine's, people doing the last-minute shopping. We had a shooting inside that location. 
That's very concerning for me, very concerning for our community,” Roark said. “We do not take that lightly.”

An investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.