Flying Bullets Lead to Negligent Security Concerns in South Carolina

Recent shootings at gas stations, malls, and restaurants in South Carolina have highlighted concerns about public safety and negligent security. It seems that average people cannot visit these locations without the threat of bullets flying through the air. How can we address this issue? Are business owners partly responsible for this lack of security on their premises? Can a negligent security lawyer in South Carolina help you if you were injured by one of these shootings?

Argument Leads to Wendy’s Shooting

 In late May of 2025, multiple sources reported that an altercation at a Laurens Wendy’s had ended in a shooting. Police say that it began when a group of teens walked into the fast food establishment and began arguing with one of the employees. The teens then exited, and the employee followed them outside. Shots were fired, and authorities say that the exchange seems to have been between only two people.

Somehow, no one was injured in the incident. However, it could have been much worse. Authorities say that one juvenile is a suspect, implying that only one person was the aggressor.

Teen Arrested After Haywood Mall Shooting 

In early June, police arrested an 18-year-old following a shooting at Haywood Mall. Authorities say that like the Wendy’s incident, this shooting involved a “group of juveniles” starting trouble with a restaurant employee at the mall. After assaulting the employee, the teens continued their attack outside in the parking lot. At this point, shots were fired.

Once again, no one was injured in the incident. Not all mall shootings end with such positive conclusions, and many South Carolina residents are aware that some of the most horrific shootings in the state have occurred in malls.

Teen Arrested After Gas Station Shooting 

Another incident in early June involved a teen carrying out a shooting at a Columbia gas station. The attack ended with the arrest of the 17-year-old, who shot a victim “multiple times” during the incident. The victim was hospitalized and survived with unspecified injuries.

Police say the shooting was sparked by a verbal altercation between the teen’s mother and the victim. The victim apparently insulted the teen’s mother, prompting a violent response from the boy. The teen is now facing attempted murder charges.

All of these incidents highlight how dangerous public places have become in South Carolina.

Can a Negligent Security Lawyer in South Carolina Help Me? 

A negligent security lawyer in South Carolina may be able to help if you were injured in a recent shooting. Whether your injury occurred at a mall, restaurant, or gas station, you may be able to hold the business owner accountable. Although some violence is unpredictable, property owners become responsible for the safety of their customers – especially after repeated shootings throughout the state. For more information, consider contacting Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC.

Sources: 

wyff4.com/article/wendys-shooting-investigation-upstate-south-carolina/64897682

foxcarolina.com/2025/06/04/police-shooting-assault-under-investigation-haywood-mall/

wltx.com/article/news/local/garners-ferry-road-gas-station-shooting/101-d792197b-2fd6-470d-ae46-39ee4e20592b