Suspect in Cook Out shooting turns self in to face charges - wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |

Suspect in Cook Out shooting turns self in to face charges

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By Jeremy Turnage - email
Billy Jo Downs, Jr. (Source: Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center) Billy Jo Downs, Jr. (Source: Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center)

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COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -

The suspect wanted in connection with a shooting at the Cook Out in Five Points turned himself in to law enforcement officials in Hampton County, according to the Columbia Police Department.

Officials say 22-year-old Billy Jo Downs, Jr., a former employee of the restaurant, will be charged with attempted murder, attempted armed robbery, discharging a firearm into an occupied conveyance, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Police say at about 9 a.m. on July 21, Downs followed a Cook Out employee out of the restaurant as he walked toward his car. Officials say Downs approached the employee, pointed a gun at him, and demanded money.

Investigators say Downs shot the employee in the shoulder.

The victim was taken to the hospital with what police called a non life-threatening injury.

Downs was booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center where he currently remains awaiting a bond hearing.

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