Gunfire near school leads to arrest

SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO)– A Sumter man is in custody following gunfire near a school led to his arrest, say officers.

Authorities say 24-year-old Robert Michael Watford was arrested after shooting near a Sumter elementary school. (Photo: Sumter Police Dept.)

Sumter Police Department says officers responded to secure Lemira Elementary and the surrounding neighborhood after reports of gunfire.

Officers secured the area as they worked to find the source of the gunfire, which they learned came from the backyard of a Fulton Street home.

Police were notified of the gunshots after administrators at Lemira Elementary placed the school on lockdown and notified police after employees heard gunshots nearby just before noon on Friday, March 27, 2026.

The lockdown was lifted a short time later once the suspect was identified and placed in custody.

Authorities say 24-year-old Robert Michael Watford was at a family member’s home on Fulton Street when the gunshots were heard.

An initial investigation revealed that Watford was behind the home, randomly firing into a creek that is within the city and near school grounds, according to the police dept.

Officers were able to recover a handgun that was used.

Watford was booked at the county detention center, and charged with aggravated breach of peace.