LANCASTER, S.C. — The ATF and FBI are offering a $20,000 reward for information in a string of gang-related shootings in Lancaster.
[ 19-year-old man charged in Lancaster shooting death, police say ]
The drive-by shootings spanned multiple locations between Sept. 4 and Sept. 11 that left an 18-year-old dead on Clinton Avenue and homes shot up.
“The gang shooting around here it’s too much. It’s too much,” said a frustrated resident. “It’s a shock in this area because it’s a quiet area. (There’s) nothing really going on here, but older people that are trying to rest and live their lives over here.”
Investigators believe the shootings were in retaliation for a deadly drive-by shooting on Sept. 4 on Clinton Avenue where Jelani Jackson was killed. The following day, there were two drive-by shootings on Pardue Street and City Avenue.
Two days later, there were two more shootings on Shelton Street and Cane Mill Road.
A sixth drive-by happened on Sept. 11 on Foster Heights Drive.
“It’s just sad people need to put the guns down because innocent people are getting killed for no reason,” said the resident, who didn’t want to be identified.
Arrests have been made but investigators want everyone to be held accountable.
“This violence will likely continue until those responsible are apprehended and brought to justice,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “ATF and our federal and local law enforcement partners are committed to stopping this chain of violence and finding those responsible for the death of Jelani Jackson.”
“They need to tighten down on these young boys with the guns,” the concerned resident said.