KERSHAW, S.C. — Deputies said a man died after he was shot last week while he was driving in Lancaster County. The man suspected of killing him is still on the loose.
According to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called just before 6 p.m. to East Richland Street in Kershaw where they found a 27-year-old Rodney Ishmael Thompson, Jr. behind the wheel of a black 2015 Ford Escape. He had been shot in the head.
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Thompson was flown to the hospital and was in critical condition, officials said, but in a news release on Monday, they said Thompson died of his injuries.
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
Investigators believed Thompson was driving the Escape east on East Richland Street and was hit by a bullet that was fired into the car. The Escape slowly veered off the left side of the road before gently coming to rest against the side of a house, authorities said.
“A large crowd of people gathered near where the victim was found, and we talked with many of them,” said Sheriff Barry Faile. “This is a pretty heavily populated area with lots of folks out and about. This shooting occurred before dark, and we suspect there were people out there who saw what happened and know who did it. I encourage anyone with information about the shooting or activities on East Richland Street or elsewhere around Kershaw leading up to the shooting to call us. You may report information anonymously.”
On Wednesday, deputies charged Justin Smith, 30, with attempted murder. After Thompson died, the attempted murder charge was upgraded and Smith is now wanted on warrants charging him with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
Smith is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. He should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
“We learned early on that Smith and the victim were known to each other and had a dispute about a minor incident that occurred before the shooting,” Faile said. “From there the story unfolded quickly, and we were able to charge Smith. Unfortunately, Mr. Thompson died and this became a murder investigation. Several agencies are assisting us in the search for Smith. We believe he knows he is wanted and hope he will contact us to turn himself in. I encourage anyone who knows where he is to call us.”
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“It was a scary thought. It’s hitting really close to home,” neighbor Pam Prazell said.
Hours after the shooting, investigators said another person on the same street was assaulted, injured and rushed to the hospital.
Investigators wouldn’t say if the incidents were connected or what the motive was in either case.
Neighbors are hoping for quick answers to both of those questions and much more.
“I hope they find the person that did it, and I’m hoping that they get somebody -- get a lead on it,” neighbor Lewis Massey said.
Anyone with information should call the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 803-283-3388 or contact Midlands Crimestoppers at 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).
Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.
(WATCH BELOW: Deputies: 16-year-old shot in Kershaw; teen charged)