A wave of terror has swept through a typically peaceful rural area of York County, leaving residents in Rock Hill on high alert. Over the past several nights, an unknown individual has been recklessly firing gunshots in the area, striking three homes and sparking fears that a tragedy may be imminent.
One resident, who narrowly escaped harm, described a harrowing experience: “We were lying in bed, just on the other side of this wall, when the bullet struck right here.” The once quiet and serene part of the county has been shattered by gunfire, some of which has been caught on home surveillance cameras.
Dugan Meredith, a long-time resident of the area, is no stranger to the tranquility of country life. However, the recent string of shootings has disrupted the calm he once cherished. “I heard something hit the back of the house, like a baseball bat,” Meredith recalled, recounting to WNTV News the night he realized his home had been hit.
After checking with his neighbors, who also heard the alarming sounds, Meredith discovered a bullet hole in the back wall of his house. “I played back my security camera footage and heard two gunshots. About two seconds later, the bullet struck my house,” he said.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. But Meredith shudders at the thought of what could have happened. Just hours before, his backyard was filled with guests celebrating his daughter’s 16th birthday. “You never know what’s going to happen each night,” he added, expressing the unease now shared by the community.
The York County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that two other homes along Rambo Road and Ogden Road were also targeted during the nights of gunfire. Trent Faris, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “Whoever is doing this is putting lives at risk,” Faris told WBTV News. “Irresponsible is the word—irresponsible and dangerous.”
As law enforcement ramps up its efforts to identify the shooter, residents remain on edge, fearing that it’s only a matter of time before a bullet hits an unintended target. “If a bullet enters a house and injures or, God forbid, kills someone, the consequences will be severe,” Faris warned.
This incident is a stark reminder of South Carolina’s growing gun violence problem. The state recently implemented an open carry law, allowing residents to carry firearms openly with a permit. While proponents argue that it’s a step forward in protecting Second Amendment rights, critics warn it may contribute to an already alarming situation. South Carolina currently ranks eighth in the nation for gun violence, a statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis.
The sheriff’s office is urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the apprehension of the individual responsible. The community’s safety depends on stopping this senseless violence before it escalates further.Anonymous tips that lead to an arrest can earn a reward through Crime Stoppers of York County.
If you have any information, please contact law enforcement immediately. The residents of York County are counting on it.