x
Breaking News
More () »

Innocent man caught in crossfire of Newberry County gunfight, authorities say

The victim was airlifted from the scene to an area trauma center, the sheriff's office said.

NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. — A 60-year-old man is recovering from a gunshot wound after a gunfight that didn't involve him in Newberry County on Wednesday.

According to the Newberry County Sheriff's Office, the shooting happened around 5 p.m. on Bush River Road near Bradbury. Responding deputies learned that the injured party was walking down the road and was not involved in the gunfire.

Instead, it appeared that two suspects, one driving a black four-door Kia and the other driving a silver Buick, had gotten into a gun battle and the victim was hit by a stray bullet.

Through interviews, authorities have since identified and issued warrants for two men, 19-year-old Quaytron K. Sanders, and 18-year-old Israel Lee Zion Cooper. Both of Newberry. The sheriff's office described the motive for the shooting as apparent "bad blood" between them.

When arrested, Sanders will face four counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature.

Sheriff Lee Foster said Sanders was out on bond with GPS monitoring pending previous charges of armed robbery, burglary, attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and criminal conspiracy.

Just this week, the Eighth Judicial Circuit Solicitor had made a motion to have his bond revoked because he allegedly didn't have his GPS active recently. A judge, however, denied this motion.

Cooper faces a single count of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and breach of the peace of a high and aggravated nature.

The sheriff said Cooper is currently serving 3 years on probation for criminal conspiracy and first-degree assault and battery.

Both men are being sought by the sheriff's office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Fugitive Task Force.

Authorities haven't yet provided the name or condition of the victim but said that he was airlifted from the scene for treatment at an area trauma center.

Anyone with information should contact Midlands Crime Stoppers at 1-888-274-6372. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Before You Leave, Check This Out