News Summary
A series of violent incidents in Florence, SC, has raised community concerns following numerous shootings that left one dead and several wounded. Local authorities are seeking public assistance in solving these cases. Recent incidents, including a deadly shooting at a lounge and a confrontation at a fast food restaurant, underscore the growing violence. The sheriff has voiced serious concerns and discussed potential measures, including revoking alcohol licenses from establishments linked to violence.
Florence, SC Experiences Surge in Violence with Multiple Shootings
A series of violent incidents in Florence, South Carolina, have heightened concerns within the community, following multiple shootings that have left one dead and several others injured. The recent spate of violence has prompted local law enforcement to seek assistance from the public in gathering information on these occurrences.
The latest shooting incident occurred on Wednesday morning at approximately 6:20 a.m. on East Roughfork Street near Oakland Avenue. The victim of this shooting was transported to the hospital in critical condition, and authorities have called for anyone with information to contact the Florence Police Department at 843-665-3191.
Prior to this incident, on Sunday morning, a deadly shooting at the Qulture Bistro lounge on East Palmetto Street resulted in the death of 39-year-old Melvin Anthony Gibson, who was employed as a security guard at the venue. Brandon Thomas Cross, 40, has been charged with murder in connection to this shooting, which also left six others with injuries. Cross was arrested and booked into the Florence County Detention Center on Tuesday evening.
The investigation into the Qulture Bistro shooting is ongoing, and authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred while Gibson was on duty.
In addition to the violence at Qulture Bistro, another disturbing incident unfolded on Sunday night at a fast food restaurant on South Irby Street. A confrontation involving a customer, 24-year-old Daquan Markel Brown, escalated when he entered the Cook Out armed with an AK-47 style rifle. An altercation with an employee, 17-year-old Eugene Travis McClease Jr., led to both individuals exchanging gunfire. Brown was shot during the exchange and subsequently required hospitalization.
Both Brown and McClease face serious legal consequences, including charges of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, with no bond set for either individual as investigations continue.
In yet another incident linked to the wave of violence, Tyreek Sharrod Dixon, 24, surrendered to authorities on Wednesday for a shooting that took place at the Red Circle Night Club the previous weekend. Dixon has been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, criminal conspiracy, and breach of peace in an aggravated nature. Investigations revealed that Dixon and co-defendants had fired a handgun into a crowd during a fight, injuring one person in the head.
Following these incidents, Sheriff TJ Joye has expressed serious concern over the increasing violence in the area. Plans are being discussed to collaborate with law enforcement to revoke alcohol licenses from establishments associated with these violent acts and potentially classify them as public nuisances.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The recent surge in violence has prompted a strong response from both local authorities and the community. Law enforcement officials are encouraging residents to come forward with any information that may assist in resolving these cases and preventing further violence. The incidents raise questions about safety in public spaces, and the community is seeking reassurance from law enforcement that appropriate steps will be taken to address the underlying issues contributing to this rise in violence.
As investigations into the shootings and continued violence unfold, the residents of Florence await answers and hope for a swift resolution that can help curb the alarming trend and reinstate a sense of safety in their community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florence County Man Charged After Hospital Threats
Shooting Incident at Florence County Fast Food Restaurant
Florence Nightclub Shooting Claims Life of Security Guard Melvin Gibson
Florence County Nightclub Shooting Claims Life of Security Guard
Shooting Incident at Cookout in Florence Raises Safety Concerns
Late-Night Shooting at Qulture Nightclub Leaves One Dead
Shooting at Florence Nightclub Leaves One in Critical Condition
Florence County Standoff Ends Tragically
NYPD Arrests Over 70 at Columbia University Protest
Florence County Standoff Ends in Tragedy
Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Florence South Carolina shootings
- WBTW News
- Google Scholar: Gun violence South Carolina
- WPDE News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting
- WMBF News
- Google News: Shootings recent Florence SC
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
