3 arrested after shootout kills innocent bystander

SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO)– Three men are in custody as officers continue to identify those involved in a shootout that fatally wounded a man as he was driving, said Sumter Police.

Travis Threll Rembert Jr., 20, was placed in custody Wednesday and is charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Kalvin Dontavious Epps, 26, was placed in custody Monday and is charged with felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana-2nd offense.

Rembert and Epps are being held in the Sumter County jail.

A third person, Di’Mitirus Ta’Lil “Lil Micky” Reed, 18, of Weatherly Court, turned himself in to law enforcement on Friday without any incident in connection with a murder charge in relation to the case.

The Sumter Police Department said additional charges could be filed against the three men as the investigation continues.

Investigators said information gathered by officers indicates the incident began with a planned sale and purchase of a firearm between two of the men at a West Oakland Avenue residence.

During the transaction, a white GMC pickup truck drove by firing shots. The men then got into their vehicles with passengers and began a chase through a residential neighborhood.

The victim, Blaine Alan Varner who was not involved in the incident was driving on North Purdy Street, when he was hit in the crossfire.

His vehicle then crashed into a brick fence on Saratoga Street as the chase continued.

Officers who responded to the shots fired calls around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 20, were also notified of a crash and found Varner.

Varner was taken to Prisma Health Tuomey, where he died the next day, say Sumter PD.

Sumter PD said minutes later after arresting Kalvin Epps in the Magnolia Street area, the white GMC truck involved in the incident was found abandoned. 

Records show the truck was stolen from a county residence on Monday morning.

On Wednesday, May 22, Travis Rembert was found during a traffic stop and placed in custody.

Anyone with information about the shooting, stolen truck and/or can help identify others involved in the shooting is asked to contact the Sumter Police Department at  803-436-2700.

Tips also can be called in to CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or submitted online at P3tips.com or by using the P3tips app that is available for iOS (Apple) or Android devices.