Hampton County sees uptick in gun violence with four shootings in two weeks

Hampton County, SC. (WTOC) - Hampton County has experienced four shootings in the past two weeks, with authorities believing the incidents are all gang-related and involve juveniles.

Sheriff Anthony Russell shared audio of gunfire from one of the incidents during a briefing today. Rapid gunfire can be heard unfolding in a matter of seconds.

Only one arrest so far in connection with the shootings. The suspect is a teenager connected with two shootings in Estill, Russell said.

Russell is turning to the community for help in solving the cases. The sheriff’s office has established a tip line and is urging residents to share any information or video they have of recent incidents.

“We don’t go home until we find answers. We are going to figure out what happened and who did it. But we can solve a lot of these cases a lot faster if the citizen would get involved and help us out,” Russell said.

The tip line can be found on the sheriff’s office website or through the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office app.

As investigations continue, the sheriff’s office will increase patrols across Hampton County. The department is specifically increasing its presence near local high schools.

The sheriff’s office is working with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the FBI on the investigations.