North Charleston police are investigating a shooting at an apartment complex that left one person hospitalized, according to officials. The incident occurred late Tuesday in the 300 block of East Montford Street, authorities confirmed. A 26-year-old man was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, though details about the nature of the wounds remain under investigation, police said.
The shooting was reported just after 11:30 p.m. by a bystander who called 911, according to a statement from the North Charleston Police Department. Officers arrived within minutes and secured the scene, but no arrests have been made as of Wednesday morning. “We’re working to identify the suspect and determine the circumstances surrounding this incident,” a department spokesperson said in a written statement.
Details Emerge from the Scene
Residents near the apartment complex described hearing gunshots around the time of the incident. “It was like three or four shots in quick succession,” said Marcus Johnson, a neighbor who lives in the same building. “I called 911 right away.” Johnson added that the area, known for occasional violent crime, has seen a rise in police patrols since last year.
North Charleston police confirmed the shooting occurred at the Montford Place Apartments, a complex with 120 units listed on public housing records. A spokesperson for the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, which assists with local investigations, declined to comment on whether the victim had any prior criminal history. “Our focus is on the investigation,” the spokesperson said.
The victim, identified by a law enforcement source as Darnell Wallace, was treated at MUSC Health and released by Wednesday afternoon. Hospital records obtained by Live 5 News show he sustained a single gunshot wound to the leg. No other individuals were reported injured in the incident.
What Happens Next?
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the apartment complex and nearby streets to identify the suspect, police said. A search warrant was executed at a residence in the 400 block of East Montford Street on Wednesday, according to court records. The property, owned by a 34-year-old man with no prior violent crime convictions, was searched by detectives but no arrests were made, according to a police log.
The North Charleston Police Department has not released a timeline for the investigation. However, a spokesperson emphasized that “all available resources are being deployed to resolve this case swiftly.” Local officials have also called for increased community outreach to prevent similar incidents. “This is a reminder of the work we still need to do to address gun violence in our city,” said City Councilwoman LaShonda Hines, who represents the area.
Community leaders have urged residents to report suspicious activity. “If you see something, say something,” said Reverend Samuel Greene, who runs a local youth outreach program. “This kind of violence affects everyone.” A fundraiser for the victim’s medical expenses has also been launched on GoFundMe, with over $5,000 raised as of Wednesday afternoon.
North Charleston police have not commented on the victim’s potential involvement in the altercation. However, a law enforcement source with knowledge of the case said the shooting appears to be “a random act of violence” rather than a targeted attack. “We’re not ruling out any possibilities at this point,” the source added.
What to Watch For
The next key development will be the release of a suspect description or any additional evidence from the scene. Police have not yet determined if the shooting was linked to ongoing gang activity or a personal dispute. A press conference is expected later this week, according to a department calendar.
Residents are being advised to avoid the area near Montford Place Apartments until the investigation concludes. “We’re working to ensure the safety of everyone in the neighborhood,” said a police spokesperson. “We appreciate the public’s cooperation.”
Readers with information about the incident are encouraged to contact the North Charleston Police Department at (843) 792-2121. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office website.
