Columbia PD Searches for Suspect in Sunday Shooting

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — The Columbia Police Department is searching for the suspect in a fatal shooting that killed a 17-year old boy Sunday night. “It’s killing me to know I don’t know what happened to my baby, what’s going on with him and I didn’t get to say my final goodbye,” said Pamela Dinkins. Dinkins is pleading for the community’s help to find those responsible for fatally shooting her 17-year old son. “Every Sunday he had the same routine, he went to play basketball and then he came home,” said Dinkins. But this Sunday evening, police said Eric Washington was involved in an altercation involving at least two other people at T-S Martin Park. “There was an altercation that occurred earlier in the day and it escalated and it caused several people to get together later on yesterday evening,” said Chief William Holbrook. “That disagreement continued and escalated and as a result several shots were fired, one round striking Mr.Washington.” The Richland County Coroner said Washington later died at the hospital, from complications of a gunshot wound to the head. At this time, Chief Holbrook says they do not think the incident is gang or drug related. “That’s usually the first question you get with youth especially, ‘is there a gang angle?’ and that’s something we’ll continue to explore but at this time we’re certainly not saying that,” said Chief Holbrook. Calling the incident a “senseless act of violence,” Chief Holbrook said enough is enough when it comes to gun violence in our community. “This kind of stuff has got to stop, we have some challenges when it comes to gun possession and gunfire in this city,” said Chief Holbrook. “We’re making tremendous strides in so many areas but gun violence continues to plague us.” As a grieving family seeks to find answers, Police are asking anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.