‘WTF is going on here?’: SC mall shooting suspect given $25K bond, ankle monitor so he can work

After allegedly shooting up a South Carolina mall and injuring 14 people on Saturday, Jewayne Price has been released on a $25,000 bond and will be allowed to return to work with an ankle monitor.

Price, 22, was charged with unlawful carrying of a pistol, though more charges may be filed once the prosecutor has reviewed all the evidence of the incident, Fox News reports.

Initially, police detained three people believed to be involved with the shooting, however, two adult males were subsequently released after police determined they were not connected. Still, Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook does not believe this was a random act.

“We don’t believe this was random,” Holbrook told reporters at a news conference. “We believe they knew each other and something led to the gunfire.”

According to Price’s attorney, state Rep. Todd Rutherford, Price was acting in self-defense.

“It was unprovoked by him,” Rutherford stated following the bond hearing. “He called the police, turned himself in, turned over the firearm that was used in this, and gave a statement to the Columbia Police Department. That is why he got a $25,000 bond.”

It is little comfort to the 14 victims, ranging in age from 15 to 73. At least nine of those injured were shot, while the rest were hurt while trying to run from the mayhem. Thirteen of the victims have reportedly been released from the hospital, but the eldest victim is still being treated.

This isn’t Price’s first tie to a shooting.

In June 2018, Price was arrested and charged with accessory before the fact in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Amon Rice in Hopkins, South Carolina. The resolution of that case is unclear.

“We catch people, they serve a little bit of time, they get out and they get right back doing what they normally do and that’s commit crimes,” said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. “The criminal justice system needs to do better.”

In a statement, Columbiana Centre, the mall at which the latest shooting occurred, expressed its gratitude to its security team and local law enforcement.

“Today’s isolated, senseless act of violence is extremely upsetting and our thoughts are with everyone impacted, Columbiana Centre said. “We are grateful for the quick response and continued support of our security team and our partners in law enforcement.”

On social media, Price’s low bond an house arrest has sparked disbelief and outrage.

“WTF IS GOING ON HERE?” exclaimed one Twitter user. “Mass shooter with house arrest and ankle monitor?”

“If this is the way they treat shooters…” wrote another user, along with a meme that reads, “I ain’t gone to South Carolina no mo.”

“In South Carolina, a bastion of the Old South, they let a mall mass shooter out on a $25,000.00 Bond & a ankle bracelet & we wonder why the Crime rate is high,” tweeted a third user.

Still another user — a local South Carolina resident — stated the ruling has made her feel unsafe.

“As a resident of the area, this does NOT make me feel safe!!” she told Columbia PDSC. “In what world does a person who carries a gun to a crowded mall & shoots into an innocent crowd of families allowed to be released on $25k bond and is free to drive around to go to ‘work’? SHAME ON JUDGE!”

Melissa Fine

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