Crime
24-year-old man killed in Sumter Walmart Shooting, suspect identified
Sumter, SC – Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred Friday afternoon at the Walmart Supercenter on Broad Street.
At a Friday evening news conference, Roark confirmed that Chanceler Lowery, 19, of Sumter, was taken into custody after being turned in by his parents.
At approximately 3 p.m. on February 14, Sumter police officers responded to reports of an active shooter at Walmart Supercenter.
Upon arrival, officers located a 24-year-old Jaquante Montgomery outside the store with an apparent gunshot wound.
Authorities have not yet determined where inside the store the shooting took place.
Life-saving measures were administered by officers and bystanders, but Jaquante Montgomery was later pronounced dead, Roark stated.
The Sumter County Coroner’s Office will release additional details regarding the victim at a later time.
No other injuries were reported, and officials confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the community following the incident.
A preliminary investigation indicates that Lowery and the victim were known to each other and had been experiencing ongoing disputes before the shooting.
Roark described the case as “fluid”, with interviews still ongoing. Authorities anticipate bringing in an additional individual for questioning.
“This is yet another example of young people possessing firearms and engaging in violent acts,” Roark said. “Unfortunately, this is not just happening in Sumter—it is a nationwide issue.”
Law enforcement will maintain a presence in the store area through Saturday morning as the investigation continues.
“This tragic event has deeply impacted our community,” Roark emphasized. “At a time when many were inside Walmart, finishing last-minute Valentine’s Day shopping, a senseless act of violence occurred. That is deeply concerning—not only for me but for our entire community. We do not take this lightly.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities will release further details as they become available.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.