CHARLOTTE, NC – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigations has announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a homicide and a series of retaliatory shootings in Lancaster, S.C.
On Sept. 4, 18-year-old Jelani Jackson was killed in a drive-by shooting on Clinton Ave. Arrests have been made in that case, but law enforcement wants to ensure that no stones are left unturned and anyone else involved in that homicide is identified and charged appropriately.
The next day, shots were fired into several residences at the intersection of Pardue St. and East Arch St. A second shooting occurred that same day, with shots hitting several residences near 320 City Ave.
A shooting on Sept. 7 at approximately 2:22 a.m. near Shelton St. injured one individual and damaged several residences. A short time later, a shooting occurred on Cane Mill Rd. and Oxford Circle. No injuries were reported in that incident.
A sixth drive-by shooting happened on Sept. 11 on Foster Heights Dr. No injuries were reported after that incident. A Dodge Charger is believed to be the suspect vehicle used in the shooting.
“This violence will likely continue until those responsible are apprehended and brought to justice,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “ATF and our federal and local law enforcement partners are committed to stopping this chain of violence and finding those responsible for the death of Jelani
Jackson.”
Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile encourages anyone with information about these shootings to come forward. “Folks expect to be safe in their homes,” said Sheriff Faile. “This indiscriminate shooting damages property and hurts and kills people including those who have nothing to do with the disputes among the shooters. It must stop, and we’re using all available resources both locally and from our federal partners to solve these shootings and put those behind them in jail.”
“Addressing violence in our community is a priority for the Lancaster Police Department,” said Lancaster Chief of Police Don Roper. “Our officers work tirelessly to help provide safe neighborhoods for our residents. We appreciate the working relationship we have with our law enforcement partners at the
local, state, and federal levels allowing us to pool resources and work toward that common goal. We hope this reward being offered by ATF and FBI will bring forward people with information that will help us solve these violent acts.”
ATF is working with the FBI, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lancaster Police Department on this ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this theft should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477). Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov, or through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. All tips will remain anonymous.