RCSD makes arrest in hate crime case

Jonathan Felkel was arrested by RCSD in connection with a hate crime. (Photo: Richland County Sheriff’s Department)

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)–The Richland County Sheriff’s Department says someone has been arrested in connection with a hate crime case.

Jonathan Felkel, 33, was arrested in connection with a hate crime case on Thursday, July 24.

Deputies say on July 17, around 8:30 a.m. they responded to a shooting incident in the 200 block of Brooksprings Road.

When they arrived to the scene, they met with a victim who told them that he was shot at, while on a run in the neighborhood at around 6 a.m.

During the investigation, the shooter was identified as Felkel after RCSD spoke with Spring Valley security, and reviewed video footage.

RCSD says Felkel can be heard on video yelling a derogatory statement at the victim after firing the weapon.

The sheriff’s department says Felkel is being charged with assault, and battery of a high and aggravated nature and possession of weapon during a violent crime.

Felkel is accused of shooting at a victim because of the color of the victim’s skin, and trying to strike fear into the victim due to his race, believe investigators.

He was also charged with the Hate Intimidation County Ordinance, and taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.