Sheriff: 3 arrested, 1 wanted in deadly shootout involving deputies in Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Three arrests have been made in deadly shootout that involved Richland County deputies last week.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department said Friday that Sireon Beaufort and Journey Lindsey, both 19, each face multiple charges linked to a June 4 incident on Legends Oak Drive.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott added that a third suspect, identified 16-year-old, was also arrested. The three are each charged with three counts of attempted murder, aggravated breach of peace and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

The shootout resulted in the death of 18-year-old Qwa’Maurie Deaver, who was identified as another suspect in the case.

An additional suspect, 21-year-old Tyjae Miller, is wanted in connection with the shootings. RCSD said Friday that investigators believe people are helping him evade law enforcement.

In a press conference on Friday, Lott said deputies first responded to a drive by shooting allegedly done by one group toward another on Sagamare Road in the early morning of June 4. According to the sheriff, the latter group later gathered and planned a retaliatory shooting that occurred on Spring Oak Lane.

No injuries were reported in either incident, but homes and vehicles in the area were damaged by gunfire and riddled with bullet holes.

As RCSD deputies responded to Spring Oak Lane, K-9 units began tracking in the area for around 30 minutes. The track led deputies to the backyard of a home on Legends Oaks Drive, where deputies saw several people outside. Lott said as deputies identified themselves, the suspects opened fire.

Bodycam footage of the shootout also gained national attention, with Lott saying more than 70 shots were reportedly fired in the exchange.

Lott said Friday that more than 200 fired cartridge rounds were recovered, and nearly 20 guns have been seized in the investigation.

“This is weapons that you would see in a war,” Lott said. “This is war we’re fighting out here. The man and woman who wear these uniforms fighting these people who have guns like this.”

Lott said this is only the first part of a massive investigation.

“The crime scene that we’re still working is probably the largest one we’ve worked in Richland and probably second to the shooting that happened in 2018 in Florence, where two officers were killed,” Lott said. “It’s only by the grace of God that our three deputies did not get killed. God put his arms of protection around them and took care of them.”

“Parents, if you believe your child is involved in these shootings, bring them to the Sheriff’s Department,” Lott said Friday. “Anyone we find to be aiding and abetting suspects will be held accountable.”

Anyone with information is asked to call RCSD at 803-576-3000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

This is a developing story. Stay with WIS for updates.

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