RCSD Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting at the request of the State Law Enforcement Division.
On Sunday, Sept. 13, RCSD was notified by the Rochester Police Department in Minnesota that a suspect wanted for a double murder was in the Columbia area. Officials with the agency said that Renard Lydell Carter (DOB: 10/23/90) had murdered his pregnant girlfriend and her 2-year-old daughter.
It is believed Carter had come to the Columbia area with the intent of killing an ex-girlfriend. RCSD deputies found the woman and moved her to a safe place.
RCSD continued to investigate Carter’s potential whereabouts while in Columbia, until he ended up in a room at the Aloft Columbia Harbison hotel (217 Lanneau Court). At that time, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and SLED were notified, as the hotel is in Lexington County.
Officers with the Columbia Police Department, LCSD and SLED attempted to talk Carter out of the room from outside the door. During that time, Carter claimed to have an assault rifle in his possession and threatened to shoot officers.…