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.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.