Sheriff Lott to hold Friday press conference after attempted traffic stop leads to shooting involving deputies

Deputies and other law enforcement officers investigate after an attempted traffic stop by Richland County leads to a shooting involving deputies. Aug. 6, 2026
(Source: ABC Columbia)

UPDATE: The Richland Co. Coroner’s Office identified a man killed in a shootout with Deputies Thursday.

Officials say Ja’sean Fritz, 20, died as the result of the shooting.

RICHLAND CO., SC (WOLO) — Richland County deputies say an attempted traffic stop led to a shooting involving deputies Thursday afternoon.

According to investigators, it happened around 1 p.m., when deputies tried to pull a vehicle over for a suspended tag, but the suspects did not stop.

After leading deputies on a chase, the suspects then wrecked the vehicle on Leesburg Road.

That’s when the sheriff’s department says deputies used a K9 to track the suspects. More than two hours later, investigators say one of the suspects came in contact with the deputies and gunfire was exchanged.

Deputies caught three additional suspects in the woods and recovered multiple guns.

Sheriff Leon Lott will hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m., Friday to provide more information about the shooting involving deputies.