Can concealed carry in parks be restricted? Opinion might prohibit change in rules for gun owners SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2014
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SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894 2 SECTIONS, 16 PAGES | VOL. 119, NO. 247
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BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272 An opinion issued by the attorney general four years ago may bar Sumter from taking any action to restrict gun owners from carrying concealed weapons in public parks. The city’s legal office is researching what measures, if any, the city can take to tighten rules for the carrying of concealed weapons in public parks after the shooting of a
family pet in Memorial Park last week. But a 2010 advisory opinion issued by the S.C. Attorney General’s Office would close down that possibility, stating that local governments can’t pre-empt state law on concealed carry. Debate has raged around gun policy since July 24, when a man walking in the park in the heart of Sumter’s historic district shot and killed a Rottweiler mix with a concealed handgun while the dog’s owner stood a few feet away. The man said
the dog charged at him. No criminal charges were filed against the shooter, sparking debate on the rules allowing guns in public spaces. But before Sumter City Council could discuss the issue Tuesday in its first meeting since the shooting, city attorney Eric Shytle uncovered the opinion issued by former Attorney General Henry McMaster about a similar case denying a local
SEE PARKS, PAGE A7
Freak storm floods roadways
‘Get On Up’ Chadwick Boseman shines as James Brown in new biopic of late singer A4 SPORTS
USC, Clemson, local public schools begin football practice B1 WORLD
Drivers on and around Lafayette Drive found themselves on flooded pavement after a short but heavy downpour Friday morning. Starting this weekend, Calhoun Drive will be closed from North Harvin Street to Lafayette Drive. The City of Sumter will be replacing the water lines in this area. The road will be closed until work is completed. Direct any questions or concerns to the City of Sumter Public Services Department at (803) 436-2558. CATHERINE FOLEY / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM
Attempted murder suspect jailed after brief car chase Ebola outbreak quickly spreads Efforts to control virus can’t keep up A6
DEATHS, A7 Wanna M. Elliott Lila Bell Edmond Quamane Halley Gertrude W. Benbow
Amelia Epps Leila S. Fowler John Drayton Jr. Henry A. Ardis
WEATHER, A8 GRAB YOUR UMBRELLA Expect more thunderstorms today and tonight HIGH 83, LOW 70
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No injuries in July 12 drive-by shooting
According to Lt. Robert Burnish of the sheriff’s office, the shooting was part of a series of incidents between Williams and the 26-yearold victim. “The victim told us he had an BY ROB COTTINGHAM ongoing dispute with Williams,” rob@theitem.com Burnish said. “Williams had al(803) 774-1225 ready made several threats against him prior to this shooting.” An attempted murder suspect The victim said he was driving wanted in connection to a shooting near the intersection of Broad incident is in custody after a brief Street and Carter Road on his way chase on Friday morning. to a nightclub in the early morning Officers with Sumter Police Dehours of July 12 when he pulled up partment arrested Alki Leon Wilto a stoplight. Peering into his liams, 21, of 112 Woodlawn Ave., shortly after midnight Friday after rearview mirror, he noticed a car pull up behind him and recognized he attempted to outrun police in a it immediately. car chase near Morris College. “After looking at it, he realized it According to reports, a neighwas Williams’ girlfriend’s car,” borhood empowerment team was Burnish said. conducting a traffic checkpoint at Continuing on his drive, the victhe intersection of Albert Drive tim said the vehicle pulled up next and Anderson Street when a blue to his at the next light. When he 2005 Dodge Neon made an abrupt, looked over, he saw Williams pointillegal turn, drove through a yard and headed south on North Milton ing a black handgun at him. As the two drove off, Williams reportedly Street. began firing at the victim’s vehicle. Officers pursued the vehicle to Williams’ home on Woodlawn Ave- Four shots were reportedly fired during the incident, two of them nue, where Williams reportedly striking the victim’s vehicle. tossed a bottle of brandy from the Burnish said no one was hurt window before trying to flee on during the shooting. The investigafoot. Williams was apprehended, tor said the victim hasn’t explained and while being detained, he reexactly what started the running portedly admitted to running bedispute. cause he knew there was a warAccording to the Sumter Counrant for his arrest. ty Public Index, Williams has a Williams was taken to Sumtercriminal history, including a 2010 Lee Regional Detention Center, charge of criminal conspiracy to where he was charged for failure which he plead guilty. He was to stop for blue lights, conducting also charged with receiving stoan improper turn and driving len goods and first-degree burunder suspension, third offense. glary in 2013. Deputies with Sumter County As of early Friday afternoon, Sheriff’s Office followed up Williams’ arrest and charged him with Williams remained in custody at attempted murder later that day in Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center, where he awaits a bond connection to a shooting that ochearing for the charge. curred July 12.
‘Roll up a sleeve and give’ Longtime donor encourages blood, platelet donations BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 Henry McKee has saved many lives and enhanced many others through his donations to the American Red Cross. “They say every donation of whole blood or platelets can extend or save three lives,” he said. Platelets are a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, burn victims and bone marrow recipients. McKEE Summer is often one of the most challenging times to collect blood and platelet donations, said Krystal Overmyer, external communication manager with the Red Cross. This summer has been especially difficult. “Donations through the Red Cross are down approximately 8 percent over the last 11 weeks, resulting in about 80,000 fewer donations than expected,” she said. “The American Red Cross is facing
SEE DONATE, PAGE A7