Police shut down Summit neighborhood, remove Pentland family amidst protests

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The Richland County Sheriff’s Department shut down access to a northeast neighborhood after peaceful protests turned “disruptive.”

Around 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, deputies were dispatched to the home of Jonathan Pentland after receiving reports that it had been vandalized.

Officials found objects had been thrown at the home and through an upstairs window. A light fixture attached to the home was also broken.

The family was temporarily removed from the home by law enforcement and taken to another location.

Due to the criminal activity, RCSD closed access to the street and neighborhood Wednesday night except to residents.

Pentland is accused of confronting a Black man who was walking on the sidewalk outside of his home. He has been arrested and charged with third-degree assault and battery.

Court records show Pentland has since been released from jail on a $2,125 personal recognizance bond. A judge also ordered him to not contact the victim and to stay 1,000 yards away from the victim’s home and place of work or worship.

Earlier in the day Wednesday, several social justice groups gathered in the Summit neighborhood to protest Pentland’s actions.

Protesters said they won’t stand for what they saw caught on camera.

“Not in our community will this ever happen, not in our community will you ever get away with a stunt like this again ‘cause we are united,” said Dr. Sonya Lewis with One Common Cause.

A family member of the victim said she’s grateful for the peaceful protests because incidents like this have to be stopped locally and nationally -- a message echoed by those gathered.

“This generation, we are done being indoctrined in ideology that doesn’t fit our way of life,” one protester said. “We’re done.”

Deputies previously shared reports that claimed to detail two incidents involving the young man in the video. Sheriff Leon Lott said those reports may be connected to what happened, but “it doesn’t justify it.” He also said other factors may be at play.

RCSD said they are still investigating those reports as of Thursday.

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