Sumter man charged with attempted murder for attacking ex-girlfriend, firing shots into home

Three suspects were arrested at a motel in Sumter on Tuesday after deputies were led there in search of a man who was wanted for attempted murder for attacking his ex-girlfriend.

Travis Javez Dunham, 33, of Gable Court in Sumter, faces four counts of attempted murder for reportedly firing at least nine rounds into his ex-girlfriend's home on Monday night after busting the windshield on her vehicle and breaking into the home and attacking her, according to Ken Bell, public information officer for the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.

Dunham also was charged with first-degree burglary, malicious injury to property, unlawful conduct toward a child, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, two counts of possession of a stolen pistol, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of marijuana.

According to an incident report, Dunham went to the house on Patriot Parkway around 10:30 p.m. April 2 and fired the shots after attacking the woman.

Bell said no one was struck by the gunfire, including three other females inside the home and a 5-year-old child who was asleep.

Deputies received information that Dunham was in a room at a motel on Camden Highway/U.S. Hwy. 521, Bell said, but deputies decided to wait until daylight to raid the room because it was believed there was a juvenile with him.

A man, identified as Tommy Michael Jefferson, came out of the room just before officers were about to enter and was detained, according to Bell. He reportedly confirmed Dunham was inside.

Just before 8 a.m. Tuesday, officers went into the room and discovered Dunham and two females inside with a "quantity of cocaine, a small amount of cash and several stolen handguns. All were arrested without incident."

Jefferson, 22, of Delaware Drive in Dalzell, and Jalonda Mashay Jackson, 33, of Turtle Creek Drive in Columbia, were both charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of marijuana.

A fourth suspect is expected to face charges as soon as she is released from the hospital, Bell said.

"That suspect is expected to face charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of marijuana," Bell said. "The suspect complained of a medical situation unrelated to the arrest."

Sumter County Sheriff's Office deputies and Narcotics Unit and SLED agent assisted in the raid.

"This was an extremely dangerous situation. We had a suspect inside with weapons and were able to arrest him without anyone being injured," Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said. "It could have easily been a different outcome had Mr. Dunham fired a weapon at the officers. We certainly want to thank SLED for its cooperation and assistance in bringing this to a successful end."