School volunteer & former USC athlete faces attempted murder charges

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A former University of South Carolina athlete who was volunteering at James Island Charter High School was arrested Friday on an attempted murder charge.

Records show Preston L. Vinson, 48, was booked into the Charleston County Detention Center on charges of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and pointing and presenting a firearm at a person.

Details about the incident involving Vinson’s arrest have not yet been provided despite a request to the sheriff’s office.

The man’s attorney, Bill Nixon, shared a statement following Vinson’s release from jail saying, “Mr. Vinson was in a place where he had a lawful right to be, was assaulted and was not the aggressor, and exercised his right to stand his ground in self-defense. He looks forward to clearing his name and will trust the judicial process.”

News 2 is working to confirm Vinson’s role with the school, although he is listed as an athletics assistant online.

When asked, an assistant on James Island Charter High School’s coaching staff said they found out about Vinson’s arrest early Saturday morning, that he does not teach at the school, and is a volunteer assistant.

The Charleston County School District also told News 2 that James Island Charter High School hires its own employees and has its own board.

According to online jail records, Vinson was released at 4:24 p.m. on Saturday on a $105,000 bond.

Count on 2 for updates.

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