Suspect Arrested After Shots Fired into Car Sunday Night

Photo byN.D. Bossie/Sumter PD

SUMTER, SC – In a dramatic turn of events, Ervin Tyrone Washington, Jr., 30, has been arrested following a harrowing shooting incident that took place Sunday night. The suspect, who now faces charges of attempted murder, was taken into custody less than 24 hours after the crime.

The incident unfolded at 9:39 p.m. on July 21, 2024, when Sumter County 911 received an urgent call reporting gunfire. Deputies were immediately dispatched to a business on North Main Street, where they found a vehicle peppered with bullet holes. Miraculously, the victim inside the car escaped without injury, despite the suspect’s brazen attack from another vehicle.

The swift response and meticulous work of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, bolstered by the Crime Scene Unit, were instrumental in piecing together the chaotic scene. Witnesses were interviewed, and crucial evidence was documented, leading investigators to Washington.

By Monday morning, July 22, 2024, deputies had secured a warrant and apprehended Washington at his White Street residence. According to Sheriff Dennis, the quick arrest was a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the deputies involved. “This investigation is only hours old, and our deputies have already taken the suspect into custody,” Dennis remarked, highlighting the department's commitment to justice.

The motive behind the shooting appears to stem from a personal disagreement between Washington and the victim. As Washington awaits his bond hearing at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, the community remains on edge, reflecting on the close call that could have ended in tragedy.

Authorities are urging anyone with additional information that could aid the ongoing investigation to step forward. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office can be contacted at 803-436-2000. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via www.p3tips.com or the “P3Tips” mobile app, offering the potential for a reward.

The swift resolution of this incident underscores the importance of community cooperation and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to maintain peace and safety in Sumter.

Source: Sumter PD