Owner’s gas station vandalized after being charged for teenager’s death in Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – A gas station owned by a man charged with killing a teenager was vandalized Monday night.

Richland County deputies say they responded to a break-in alarm at Rick Chow’s store on Parklane Road around 9:30 after protests took a destructive turn.

When they arrived, they found shattered windows and a large crowd of people inside the store stealing merchandise.

This comes after deputies charged Chow with murder for shooting and killing Cyrus Belton, 14.

According to investigators, Chow alleged Belton was stealing water at his store and confronted him which led to a chase.

Deputies say Chow shot Belton in the back after Chow’s son said the teen had a gun on him.

His body was found on Springtree Drive and he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

But investigators say while they did recover a gun, there’s no evidence of Belton stealing anything.

Chow was taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Sheriff Leon Lott said those involved in the break-in will be found and prosecuted as the incident remains under investigation.