Columbia Community in Shock After Teenager and Two Young Adults Arrested for Armed Robbery and Shooting Incident

Columbia Residents Shocked by Recent Shooting Incident

In the heart of Columbia, a shocking incident has left the community in disbelief after three individuals were arrested following a shooting that occurred on August 17. The police have reported that the arrested suspects include a teenager and two young adults, all facing multiple charges, including attempted murder and armed robbery.

The Events Leading Up To the Incident

According to reports from the Columbia Police Department, the trouble began when one of the suspects, Ma’ziya Mills, 23, invited a man—referred to as the victim—to meet her on Ripplemeyer Avenue. What should have been a simple meetup turned into a dangerous confrontation as Mills was allegedly aware that her accomplices, Maalik Corley, 19, and Demarco Gleaton, 23, were planning to engage in criminal activities.

Upon the victim’s arrival, things took a turn for the worse. Corley and Gleaton approached the victim with ill intentions, breaking into his car and stealing personal items. In a harrowing twist, the victim attempted to escape but was soon pursued by the two suspects. They managed to catch up with him and reportedly held him at gunpoint, further escalating the situation.

A Close Call for the Victim

During the confrontation, when the victim tried to defend himself against the armed assailants, Corley fired a shot at him. Thankfully, the victim was unharmed and managed to flee the scene, avoiding any gunfire that could have resulted in a tragic outcome. At this time, there is no further information regarding the victim’s condition, but it’s reassuring to know that no other injuries were reported.

Arrests and Charges

The three suspects have since been apprehended and are facing the music for their roles in this disturbing incident. Corley, who was arrested on Tuesday, is hit with several serious charges, including attempted murder, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, auto breaking, larceny, and conspiracy. Alarmingly, police records show that while he was granted a $2,125 bond on the larceny charge, bond was denied on all other counts, which means he remains in Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

His accomplice, Gleaton, was taken into custody the following day and also faces multiple serious charges, including armed robbery, first-degree assault and battery, along with auto breaking, larceny, and conspiracy. Like Corley, he was denied bond on the more severe charges after receiving a similar bond on the larceny charge.

Mills, on the other hand, has been charged with conspiracy and serving as an accessory before and after the fact to a felony. Her bond was set at $75,000, and she too is currently behind bars awaiting her next court date.

Community Response and Next Steps

Residents of Columbia are understandably upset about this incident, which has rattled the peaceful atmosphere of their neighborhood. The arrests bring some reassurance, but many citizens are hoping for deeper conversations around safety and crime prevention in their community.

All three suspects are scheduled to appear in court on December 13, and as more information unfolds, citizens are encouraged to stay updated on this developing story. Authorities emphasize the importance of community cooperation in keeping everyone safe.

As the investigation unfolds, the police remind everyone that in breaking news situations, facts might be unclear and the story could change as more details emerge. Stay vigilant, and here’s hoping this will be a wake-up call for a safer Columbia.