Sumter, SC – A tragic and senseless act of violence unfolded at the Walmart Supercenter on Broad Street in Sumter, South Carolina, on Friday afternoon, leaving 24-year-old Jaquante Montgomery dead. Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark confirmed the arrest of 19-year-old Chanceler Lowery, who was turned in to law enforcement by his own parents just hours after the fatal shooting.

The horrific event, which sent shockwaves through the community, occurred around 3:00 p.m. when frantic calls flooded 911 dispatch, reporting an active shooter inside the bustling store. Shoppers, many of whom were out gathering last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts, described chaos and panic as gunfire erupted.

The Tragic Incident

Police officers arrived swiftly to find Montgomery suffering from multiple gunshot wounds just outside the store’s main entrance. Emergency responders and bystanders attempted lifesaving measures, but the injuries proved too severe. Montgomery was rushed to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker confirmed his passing and scheduled an autopsy for February 18 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

While details about what led to the shooting are still emerging, investigators believe it was not a random act of violence. Instead, authorities say it stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Montgomery and Lowery. Witnesses reported seeing the two engaged in a heated argument inside the store before shots rang out.

“This appears to be another tragic case of young individuals resorting to firearms to resolve conflicts,” Chief Roark stated in a press conference Friday evening. “Unfortunately, this is not just an issue in Sumter but a growing concern nationwide.”

The Immediate Aftermath

Following the shooting, the Walmart Supercenter was placed on lockdown as law enforcement secured the area and evacuated shoppers. Witnesses described the terrifying moment they realized they were in danger.

“I was in the self-checkout lane when I heard the first shot,” said Maria Jenkins, a shopper who narrowly avoided the violence. “Then there were more. I just grabbed my kids and ran.”

Store employees ushered customers into stockrooms and emergency exits as police swarmed the area. Security footage from Walmart is now being analyzed to piece together a timeline of events leading up to Montgomery’s tragic death.

Suspect Arrested After Parents Turn Him In

While the suspect initially fled the scene, the manhunt was short-lived. Just hours after the shooting, Lowery’s parents brought him to the Sumter Police Department, where he was taken into custody without incident. Their decision to turn in their own son speaks volumes about the gravity of the situation and the impact it has had on the community.

“His parents did the right thing,” said Chief Roark. “They understood the severity of what happened and made the difficult decision to bring him in.”

Lowery now faces multiple charges, including murder and possession of a firearm during a violent crime. He is currently being held at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center, awaiting his first court appearance.

Community Reacts

The senseless killing of Jaquante Montgomery has left the Sumter community reeling. Friends and family of the victim describe him as a hardworking, kind-hearted young man who had dreams of bettering his life.

“He didn’t deserve this,” said childhood friend Marcus Reynolds. “Jaquante was always smiling, always trying to help others. He had his whole life ahead of him.”

Community leaders and local advocacy groups have voiced their concerns about rising gun violence among young people.

“This is heartbreaking,” said Reverend Samuel Greene, a local pastor. “We have to do more as a community to guide our young men away from violence and toward better opportunities.”

Walmart officials released a statement expressing condolences to Montgomery’s family and support for employees affected by the tragedy. “We are deeply saddened by this incident and are fully cooperating with law enforcement. The safety of our customers and associates remains our top priority.”

Ongoing Investigation

As investigators work to piece together the final moments leading up to the shooting, they urge anyone with additional information to come forward. Chief Roark emphasized that while an arrest has been made, the case remains active.

“There may be others involved, and we won’t rest until we uncover the full story,” he said. “We encourage anyone who saw something, heard something, or has any knowledge to reach out to us.”

Final Thoughts

The tragic death of Jaquante Montgomery serves as yet another painful reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence. A young life was lost, a family is left to grieve, and a community is shaken. Meanwhile, another young man, Chanceler Lowery, faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life behind bars for a crime that may have been prevented.

As the Sumter community grapples with this heartbreaking event, many hope it will serve as a wake-up call to address the root causes of violence and work toward creating a safer environment for future generations. For now, the focus remains on seeking justice for Montgomery and bringing closure to a family whose hearts have been forever broken.