Cayce Residents Reeling After Tragic Shooting Incident
In the city of Cayce, South Carolina, a peaceful afternoon turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak as a shooting at Alight Apartments left a young man dead. The Lexington County Coroner, Margaret Fisher, has confirmed the identity of the victim as 22-year-old Jalen Allen of Columbia.
What Happened?
The unfortunate incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on Monday. Residents reported hearing gunshots and screams, prompting a flurry of calls to emergency services. When the police arrived, they found Allen inside his car in the parking lot of the apartment complex with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Despite immediate medical help, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead the following day.
According to the Cayce Police Department, this shooting appears to be an isolated incident, and they reassured residents that there is no ongoing threat to their safety. An autopsy for Allen will take place on September 12 at 10 a.m. at MUSC in Charleston.
Residents Share Their Shock
This event left many residents shaken. Abdorruhman Abdelwahed, who has lived at the complex for just over a month, shared his disbelief: “I’ve experienced two shootings just outside this building.” His words echoed the fear felt by many living in the area. Notably, the police have been called to Alight Apartments before, raising concerns about the ongoing safety issues in the community.
Kerem Tekin was visiting a friend on the day of the shooting and described a harrowing scene. “I didn’t hear the gunshots, but when I heard a scream, I rushed outside. I saw a man with blood pouring down and initially thought he had just hit his head.” As more details unfolded, Tekin realized the severity of the situation and immediately called 911.
A Chain of Events
In a twist of fate, the incident did not just involve Allen; his injury led to a dramatic series of events in the parking lot. The management of Alight Apartments later confirmed that Allen was shot while driving, which caused him to lose control and crash into several parked cars. The incident report indicated that multiple vehicles were damaged, including Tekin’s.
“He hit a red car and almost grazed a silver one before crashing into mine. The rear side of my car took the most impact,” Tekin explained, visibly frustrated. “This was my only means of transportation to school and work. Now, I’m deep in the process of insurance claims, and it looks like it’s going to take some time.”
Community Concerns
Safety has become a major concern among residents, especially regarding the parking area. Abdorruhman stated that while he feels safe inside his apartment, the parking lot feels increasingly dangerous. The recent spate of violence has raised questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures within the complex.
Tekin, who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting, believes that security cameras should have been installed at the complex much earlier. “This can’t keep happening. Management should have taken action after the first incident to prevent another tragedy.”
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is being handled by the Cayce Police Department in collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office. As the community tries to make sense of this shocking event, people are left to grapple with the reality of violence hitting so close to home.
As more information becomes available, residents hope for a peaceful resolution and increased safety measures at their home. Such tragic events are reminders of the need for vigilance and compassion within communities.
