Cab driver shot; Sumter police seek 2 men

By JOE PERRY
Item Senior Staff Writer
jperry@theitem.com

A cab driver was shot early Thursday on Hannah Street but managed to drive back to the cab stand on South Main Street, officials said.

Jacob Wilson, 64, of 204 Royal Ave., was shot in the chest, said Sumter police Capt. Alvin Holston, and is expected to recover. A bullet entered the left side of Wilson's chest and exited the right side, Holston said.

A report states that Wilson was driving a Buick with a 46-year-old female passenger about 1:09 a.m. and was turning onto Hannah Court from Hannah Street when two black males approached the car and fired into the cab. Holston said it's unclear how many shots were fired, but investigators believe the weapon was of a small caliber.

Wilson, after being shot, drove back to the Yellow Cab office, 136 S. Main St., and called 911. He was taken to Tuomey Regional Medical Center by Sumter County Emergency Medical Services for treatment, then transported to Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia.

"He's not really saying a whole lot," Holston said, noting that the motive is still undetermined.

"We're exploring possibilities on both sides of just what was going on," he said, adding that the neighborhood in which Wilson was driving is known for drug activity.

The only description of the suspects is that they are black men, possibly between 18 and 21 years old, and were wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Sumter Police Department (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

For more details, see Friday's edition of The Item.