Five Points Shooting in Columbia, SC: Three Injured as Police Make Multiple Arrests

Three people were injured in the September 5, 2026 Five Points shooting near Food Lion on Harden Street in Columbia, South Carolina. Police later announced multiple arrests and continued investigating.

Five Points Shooting: What Happened Near Food Lion?

A shooting in Columbia’s Five Points entertainment district left three people injured and several vehicles and other property damaged on September 5, 2026. The gunfire occurred in the parking lot of the Food Lion shopping centre at 1001 Harden Street, near the University of South Carolina.

Columbia Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 8:54 p.m. The three injured people were transported to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Reporting by The Post and Courier indicated that the victims ranged in age from 16 to 20.

The incident attracted considerable attention because Five Points is a popular destination for university students, residents and visitors.

Police Investigation and Evidence Recovered

Investigators recovered nearly 100 spent shell casings and more than 80 rounds of live ammunition. Police also seized firearms and other evidence while working to establish what happened and identify everyone involved.

Authorities have not publicly established a definitive motive. Investigators examined witness accounts, physical evidence and available video as part of their efforts to reconstruct the incident.

Five Points Shooting Arrests: Who Has Been Charged?

Several people were arrested in connection with the investigation.

• Eric Velazquez III: The 23-year-old was charged with aggravated breach of peace. Police reporting said he acknowledged firing a handgun toward an area where he believed shots were coming from.

• Carmelo J’Kwon Kirkland: He was charged with possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of certain crimes, first offense.

• Jayden Milak Howell: He was arrested and charged with aggravated breach of peace.

• Two juveniles: Police announced arrests involving minors, whose identities were withheld because of their ages. One juvenile was among the people injured in the shooting and faced additional weapons-related charges.

By October 2, WIS News 10 reported that the arrests connected to the September incident had reached five. Police also released images of a person of interest they believed might have information relevant to the investigation.

The charges are allegations and should not be treated as findings of guilt.

Separate Columbia Shooting That Same Night

The Five Points incident was one of two separate shooting investigations in Columbia on September 5. Another shooting occurred in the Two Notch area, where two men died. Police said the incidents were unrelated.

Investigation and Public Assistance

The September shooting renewed concerns about safety in the Five Points district, particularly during busy evenings when students and visitors gather around local businesses.

Anyone with relevant information, photographs or video was encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department or CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

Disclaimer

This article concerns the confirmed September 5, 2026 incident and its reported investigation developments. It does not establish that a new shooting occurred in Five Points on November 8. Arrests and criminal charges do not establish guilt, and the investigation’s reported developments should not be interpreted as confirmation of a motive or the precise role of every person involved.