News Summary
Three people have been arrested after a firearms incident at the Ross Dress for Less store in Bluffton, South Carolina. The incident involved a dispute between a customer and an employee, which escalated into gunfire. No injuries were reported, and both individuals have been charged with aggravated breach of peace and pointing a firearm. A third person was arrested for attempting to conceal one of the suspects’ involvement. Community concerns around retail safety and gun violence have been heightened following this incident.
Bluffton Police Arrest Three Following Firearms Incident at Local Store
Bluffton, SC – Three individuals have been arrested following a firearms incident at the Ross Dress for Less store in Bluffton that occurred on September 4. Among those arrested were a customer and a store employee who engaged in a dispute that escalated into gunfire.
24-year-old Danielle Nathaniel Wedderburn, a Bluffton resident, turned himself in to the police and faces charges of aggravated breach of peace and pointing a firearm. Wedderburn became frustrated while waiting for assistance at a watch display case inside the store. The situation worsened when he allegedly confronted 20-year-old Khora Coke, an employee of the store, with whom he had a verbal altercation.
Witnesses indicated that both individuals pointed firearms at each other and eventually fired shots into the air. This confrontation took place outside the store after their initial argument. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire.
Coke was subsequently arrested and charged with the same offenses as Wedderburn. Initially, police reports suggested that only Wedderburn was involved in firing the shots, but further investigation revealed Coke’s participation. The case also led to the arrest of a 45-year-old woman from Rincon, Georgia, who allegedly attempted to conceal the involvement of one of the suspects. She faces a common law offense charge that is not explicitly listed in South Carolina statutes.
Both Wedderburn and Coke have been released from jail after posting cash bonds of $70,000. The woman from Rincon was released on a personal recognizance bond of $5,000.
Crisis Unfolds at Retail Location
The firearms incident at Ross Dress for Less, which is situated in a busy shopping area, caused alarm among customers and bystanders. Rapid response from local law enforcement prevented the situation from escalating further. The event has raised concerns regarding safety within retail environments, especially when firearms are involved.
Pointing and presenting a firearm is categorized as a felony in South Carolina and carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. The police have committed to thoroughly investigating the incident to ensure justice and safety for the community are prioritized.
Context of the Incident
This event has drawn attention not only for its alarming nature but also for the community’s response to gun violence. Incidents involving firearms, particularly in public spaces, raise questions about safety regulations and the social climate surrounding gun ownership. The Bluffton incident reflects broader discussions about firearm usage and regulations in various states across the country.
The incident was reported in local media, highlighting public interest in safety measures and legal implications surrounding such events. Authorities have emphasized the importance of following the law and the risks associated with carrying firearms in public. Continuous updates on the investigation will likely follow as police officials review evidence and witness testimonies.
As of now, the suspects await further legal proceedings, and the Bluffton community remains vigilant regarding safety measures in retail settings.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Bluffton Police Arrest Three Following Firearms Incident at Local Store
- Google Search: Bluffton police shooting incident
- WTOC: Bluffton Town Council Member Sues Town Police
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- WSAV: Bluffton Town Councilperson Files Lawsuit
- Google News: Bluffton Councilmember shooting lawsuit
- Post and Courier: Bluffton Councilmember Lawsuit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun control
- WJCL: Bluffton May River Road Shooting
- Google Scholar: Bluffton firearms incident
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
