2 arrested for gunfire incidents in south Sumter

No injuries reported; men involved in two groups who know each other, officials say

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Two men were arrested Wednesday morning in connection to a series of incidents involving gunfire in the Cedar Avenue, Webb Street and Flamingo Road areas, according to officials.

Quintez Latroy Ford, 21, of Silver Street, has been charged with unlawful carrying of a pistol and pointing and presenting a firearm after he reportedly fired shots in the air on May 4 at a home in the 200 block of Cedar Avenue, according to Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for Sumter Police Department. Police also charged Asiatic Jamal Samuel, 19, of Webb Street, with pointing and presenting a firearm at a man while at a Reed Roman Road residence on June 11.

According to police, the incidents began in April, are not random and are between two groups of individuals who know each other. No injuries have been reported.

The most recent incident connected to these two suspects and/or the two groups involved happened Monday night, McGirt said in a news release. Officers responded after 11 p.m. to a shots-fired call on Cedar Avenue, where they found a home had been struck by gunfire.

At least four other firearm-related incidents reported this month in the Cedar, Webb and Flamingo areas are linked, the release states.

The public's help plays an important part in the department's ability to solve and deter criminal activity, according to the release.

Both men, whose addresses are a half-mile from each other, are being held at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center.

Bond was denied Wednesday for Ford because of a past conviction of armed robbery. He has faced other various felony and misdemeanor charges in the city, including assault and animal cruelty.

A $10,000 surety bond was set for Samuel.

McGirt said more arrests are expected in this ongoing investigation.

Residents who hear gunfire in neighborhoods should call 911 immediately, the police department said. Details such as location, the number of shots fired, direction in which the shots were heard and a description and number of individuals and vehicles seen in the area will help officers in their investigation.

To report suspicious activity, contact the police department at (803) 436-2700. Information can also be given anonymously by calling CrimeStoppers toll-free at 1-888-CRIME-SC. A reward of up to $2,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest. Tips can also be submitted to CrimeStoppers by logging onto www.P3tips.com and clicking on the "Submit a Tip" tab or by downloading the new P3 Tips app for Apple and Android devices.