7 Arrested After Deputy's Assault

Richland County, SC (WLTX) - Richland County deputies have arrested seven suspects after an officer was assaulted while trying to make an arrest.

The arrests come from an incident Tuesday in the 4500 block of Bluff Road. According to investigators, a deputy went to that area on suspicion that there was drug activity. When he arrived, the officer attempted to take 26-year-old Warren Spruill Jr. into custody; however, deputies say several people stepped in to interfere.

Deputies say the suspect's father, 52-year-old Warren Spruill Sr., attempted to stab the officer with a screwdriver. During the struggle, Spruill Jr. left the scene.

A citizen's tip led officers to a home on East Way Park, where Spruill Jr. was taken into custody.

Officers say Spruill Jr. was wanted on an outstanding warrant for aggravated assault for an incident also at 4500 Bluff Road last October. Investigators say a man was shot in the lower body at that location. Sheriff Leon Lott says the victim implicated Spruill Jr., but was uncooperative when questioned further.

Witnesses later said the two had a dispute.

The following suspects were arrested and charged for Tuesday's incident:

• Warren Spruill Jr. (age 26) - assault of a police officer, assault of a high and aggravated nature, resisting arrest, loitering narcotics, pedestrian in roadway, and larceny.
• Warren Spruill Sr. (age 52) - assault of a police officer and interference with police while arrest.
• Robert Allen Javis (age 24) - assault on a police officer, interference with police while arrest, and loitering narcotics.
• Bryan Threatt  (age 43) - interference with police while arrest.
• Charles Epps (age 28) - public disorderly conduct.
• Ypreshus Tyshayla Gibbs (age 27) - interference with police while arrest.   
• Alford Goodwin III (age 28) - obstruction and criminal domestic violence.