An argument between two groups inside a Walmart in Lancaster, South Carolina, quickly led to gunfire, injuring two individuals and causing local schools to go on lockdown.
The incident transpired around 2:34 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, in the automotive department of the Walmart on Highway 9 Bypass West. Authorities indicate the conflict might be linked to gang affiliations.
During a press conference on Thursday, Lancaster Police Chief Don Roper provided new insights into the ongoing investigation.
“I want to express my gratitude to all the agencies that have stepped up to assist us and provide resources during this very complex investigation. Their prompt response and teamwork have been essential in safeguarding our community,” Roper stated.
As of Thursday morning, authorities have apprehended three suspects related to the shooting. Lareakus Antonio Cunningham Jr., 18, and Na’Rickio LaQuan Mickle, 19, were detained shortly after the event. They face charges of attempted murder, breach of peace, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
A third individual, Zydarius Stover, faces charges for failing to report a crime, according to police statements.
A fourth suspect, Jayvion Wells, is under police supervision at a hospital for injuries from the shootout and will be arrested upon discharge.
As of April 4, 2025, another suspect, Antonio Hayden, had surrendered to police. He was wanted on warrants for charges including accessory after the fact of a Class A felony and misprision of a felony (failing to report a crime). Hayden’s bond was set at $25,000.
A 15-year-old is charged with two counts of attempted murder, disturbing the peace, and possession of a firearm by a minor. He was unharmed and has remained in custody since voluntarily surrendering on April 5, prosecutors stated.
Law enforcement in South Carolina stated during a court hearing on Wednesday that surveillance footage from a Lancaster Walmart captures the 15-year-old boy wielding a firearm during the shootout.
According to testimony from Lancaster Police Captain Nelson Bowling during a Family Court hearing in Chester, the altercation appeared to occur unexpectedly when two rival gang-affiliated groups crossed paths in a store aisle.
The footage also reveals that two additional individuals displayed firearms during the exchange, during which a total of 11 shots were fired from three separate weapons in the store’s sporting goods section, Bowling testified.
The incident led to precautionary lockdowns at several Lancaster County schools, including North Elementary School, Lancaster High School, Lancaster County School District Career Center, and the Lancaster Bus Office. Parents of students at Andrew Jackson High, Buford High, and Indian Land High were also informed of the situation.
The Walmart store remained closed for over 24 hours following the shooting to allow for a thorough investigation. It has since reopened, though safety concerns among shoppers persist.
Authorities confirmed that no Walmart employees or customers were harmed during the gunfire, which seemed restricted to the individuals involved in the dispute.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation, including the Lancaster Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, the Multijurisdictional Violent Crimes Task Force, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Walmart released a statement on the matter, stating, “Violence like this is unacceptable. We appreciate police and first responders for acting quickly. We’re cooperating with law enforcement during their investigation.”
Investigators have stressed that this was a targeted incident, as those involved appeared to know one another. While the exact motive is still under investigation, a possible gang link has been noted by police.
The Lancaster Police Department has set up several channels for the public to provide information regarding the case.
This event is one of the most significant public safety challenges in Lancaster County in recent months, prompting discussions about security in high-traffic retail areas.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses present during the shooting.