WALHALLA, S.C. — Two men have been taken into custody following an armed robbery that escalated into a shooting earlier this week in Oconee County, according to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO).
The Incident
Deputies responded early Monday morning to reports of gunshots near Townville, where investigators say 22-year-old Noah Brooks Brown attempted to rob three people — a man and two women — while they were sitting inside a vehicle.
During the attempted robbery, Brown allegedly fired into the car, striking the male victim in the knee. The victim was rushed to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to recover.
After the shooting, Brown fled the scene, prompting authorities to issue a public alert warning that he was armed and dangerous.
The Arrests
On Friday, deputies confirmed that Brown was located and arrested without further incident. He was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center on multiple felony charges, including:
- Two counts of attempted armed robbery
- Three counts of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person
- Possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime
A second suspect, 22-year-old Ezekiel Isaiah James Cheeks of Seneca, was also arrested for his alleged role in the crime. Deputies say Cheeks is charged with accessory before the fact of a felony and was booked into the Oconee County Jail under an $85,000 bond.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not released additional details about how Cheeks was involved or what led up to the shooting. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case, and further charges could be filed as new evidence emerges.
“This was a dangerous situation that could have ended far worse,” an OCSO spokesperson said. “Thanks to quick investigative work and community assistance, both suspects are now in custody.”
Anyone with additional information related to the shooting or the suspects is urged to contact the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.
Stay tuned to HonkNews.com for further updates on this developing case.