SUMTER, S.C. — Sumter authorities have arrested a third suspect in the shooting death of a physician assistant who was caught in the crossfire on Monday afternoon.
Sumter Police announced late Friday afternoon that 18-year-old Di’Mitirus Ta’Lil Reed turned himself over to law enforcement without incident.
Earlier in the day, Police Chief Russell Roark III announced the arrests of 20-year-old Travis Threll Rembert Jr. and 26-year-old Kalvin Dontavious Epps.
Rembert was charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Epps was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana - second offense. Reed will be charged with murder, according to police.
The arrests come following the killing of 59-year-old Blaine Alan Varner, a physician assistant with Tandem Health who was driving in the area and not involved in the incident, was hit by gunfire.
"Didn't know it when he left his house that day, it was his last day," Roark said. "His last opportunity to tell his wife and his family that he cared and loved for them. His last opportunity to see a sunrise and sunset. His last opportunity to live."
Investigators said they have since learned that the incident began as a planned gun sale between two of the suspects at a West Oakland Avenue home. Authorities said that, during the sale, a white GMC pickup truck drove by, and someone inside opened fire.
Police said the suspects got in their vehicles with passengers, and a chase began through the neighborhood.
Varner was driving on North Purdy Street and was struck by the gunfire, crashing into a brick fence on Saratoga Street. He died on Tuesday, police said.
Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis added during the press conference that his office is assisting in the ongoing investigations of this and other shootings that have happened in Sumter and surrounding areas of Sumter County.
"Recently, we've had a rash of drive-by shootings here in Sumter city and county," he said. "We have determined that these shootings are related to each other. "The chief and I have decided to combine our resources and our personnel to actually attack these shootings that we have in Sumter city and county."
He added that he's confident the agencies, working together, will have the suspects in custody soon.
Sumter Mayor David Merchant offered his condolences to those impacted by the most recent shooting. He also commended the police department, sheriff's office, and everyone working to solve the case.
"There's still information that is out there that - that would help both departments bring closure to this case," he said. "So we do ask the community, if you know something, know of somebody that has - may have some information, to please call in and ... please help assist in getting closure for this family in our community in Sumter."
Anyone with information can call the Sumter Police Department at 803-436-2700 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC and CrimeSC.com.