18-year-old faces 5 counts of attempted murder in Laurens Co.

LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – An 18-year-old identified as a suspected shooter at a Laurens County gas station is now facing more charges for an unrelated incident.

On Tuesday, August 27, Jay Ariel Taylor , of Laurens, was arrested and charged with attempted murder in relation to a shooting that occurred at the Citgo gas station on Highway 72 and North Main Street in the Cross Hill area.

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office charged Taylor with attempted murder, discharging a firearm into an occupied building, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, aggravated breach of peace, armed robbery and a concealable weapons offense.

Further into the shooting investigation, officials have also identified Taylor as the suspect shooter in an incident that occurred on Monday, August 26 in Joanna.

According to deputies, shots were fired at a residence occupied by four people. No injuries were reported.

In relation to Monday’s shooting, Taylor has been charged with the following:

• 4 counts of attempted murder
• Aggravated breach of peace
• Discharging a firearm into a dwelling
• Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
• Malicious injury to property, more than $2,000
• Malicious injury to property, less than $2,000

Taylor remains in custody at the Laurens County Detention Center according to the sheriff’s office.

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