Budiman's Smokeshop & Art Gallery on Cherry Rd. Photo: Google
Two Dead, One Injured in Rock Hill Smoke Shop Shooting; Suspect Arrested
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Two people were killed and a third injured in a shooting at a smoke shop in Rock Hill, on Cherry Road Wednesday night, according to the Rock Hill Police Department. A 28-year-old Columbia man, Zachary East Elias, has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. According to Lexington County case records, Elias has only ever been charged with speeding.
Highway 21 bridge shut down due to a vehicle crash of a suspect under investigation for an incident that took place at Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery on Cherry Rd. pic.twitter.com/bpauGLgRCt
— Rock Hill PD (@rockhillpd) December 5, 2024
The Shooting
Officers responded to Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery at approximately 9:40 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. En route, officers were informed that the suspect was a white man driving a silver Dodge. Upon arrival, they witnessed the suspect entering a vehicle and fleeing north on Cherry Rd.
The suspect’s vehicle crashed near the bridge over the Catawba River. When confronted, police say Elias exited the truck armed with a gun. An officer fired at him but missed. The suspect then charged at the officers, leading to a physical altercation. Police used a stun gun to subdue him before taking him into custody.
The Victims
At the smoke shop, officers discovered three people with gunshot wounds. A male and female victim were pronounced dead at the scene. The York County Coroner’s Office says Celci Johnson, an employee at the shop, and Emad Saadalla, a customer, were both killed. A third victim was transported to a local hospital and is receiving treatment. A fourth individual fled the business during the shooting and was unharmed.
The Charges
Elias has been charged with:
- Two counts of murder
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Possession of a weapon during a crime of violence
He is currently being held at the Rock Hill Jail.
Investigation and Traffic Impact
The section of Cherry Road near the bridge remained closed until approximately 3 a.m. Thursday as investigators processed the scene. The road has since reopened. Police continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to CC News Network for updates as they become available.
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