Deputies arrest 7 in Richland neighborhood pool shooting (2024)

COLUMBIA— Seven people have been arrested in a shooting that injured a teen and left dozens of shell casings outside a neighborhood pool. More arrests are expected, Sheriff Leon Lott said, including a 22-year-old who was on video pointing a rifle.

Chaos broke out at the Villages at Lakeshore pool at around 8 p.m. May 28, Lott said. Sounds of automatic guns can be heard in surveillance footage. Investigators recovered at least 80 shell casings, he said. A 16-year-old was injured in the shooting.

From those arrested, investigators seized seven guns. Several of the guns recovered have been linked to other crimes in Richland and Fairfield counties, the sheriff said.

Those arrested range from 17 to 22 years old. They were each charged with aggravated breach of peace, and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

One 17-year-old faces additional weapons charges after deputies recovered a stolen gun with a Glock switch, which accelerates rate of fire.

The sheriff said one group at the pool had been involved in other shootings, including drive-by shootings, and described them as "out of control."

One of the suspected shooters, Joshua House, was arrested following the other six people after he initially failed to turn himself in.House was seen in surveillance footage holding a rifle and wearing a pink shirt and black pants, according to Lott.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department credited pressure from the community, media and law enforcement for pushing House to turn himself.

Lott said the investigation is ongoing and that he anticipates more arrests.

"This is a community problem and it's going to take the entire community getting involved to fix it," Lott said. "Parents, community groups and churches all working together with law enforcement."

Deputies with the department's Community Action Team will work with the neighborhood on a security plan, which will likely include a neighborhood watch, Lott said.

Next steps will be discussed at a Villages of Lakeshore community meeting on June 20.

This story was updated on June 17 to reflect additional details.