COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
Police have identified a suspect accused of shooting a man at the Cook Out restaurant in
Five Points this summer.
Columbia Police investigators have outstanding arrest
warrants for 22-year-old Billy Jo Downs,
Jr. They say Downs is a former employee of the restaurant.
Police say around 9 a.m. on July 21 Downs followed a Cook Out employee out of the restaurant as he walked
toward his car. The man was in his car when police say Downs pointed a gun
at him and demanded money.
According to police, the victim tried to drive away, but Downs shot him. The victim was taken to the hospital with a non life-threatening injury. He was treated and released.
Investigators believe that Downs has connections to the
Greenville/Spartanburg area.
Once arrested, Downs is expected to be charged
with attempted murder, attempted armed robbery, possession of a firearm
during the commission of a violent crime and discharging a firearm into
an occupied conveyance.
Police Chief Randy
Scott encourages citizens with information about this incident or Downs'
whereabouts, to call, text or submit online, their anonymous tip to Crimestoppers in any of the following ways: CALL
toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC. TEXT to CRIMES (274637), and mark the
beginning of the message with "TIPSC," followed by the tip information. LOG
onto: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red "Submit a tip" tab.
Tipsters could earn a cash reward of up to $1,000 for
information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
Copyright 2012 WIS. All rights reserved
Billy Jo Downs, Jr. (Source: Columbia Police Department)
