LEXINGTON, S.C. – Five men from Leesville have been arrested and charged following a shooting incident on Saturday night in Pelion, according to Lexington County authorities. The suspects are accused of firing shots at a car and a house on Otis Road.
Arrested and Charged
The individuals charged are:
- Austin Michael Easterling, 27
- Brendon Charles Ray Parcell, 20
- Garvin Lee Parcell III, 24
- Damon Smith, 21
- Keeley Edward Smith, 23
Each has been charged with four counts of first-degree assault and battery, discharging a firearm into a dwelling, and criminal conspiracy, based on the arrest warrants issued.
Incident Details
“Detectives have established a timeline indicating the suspects showed up at a home in the 400 block of Otis Road armed with handguns. Some of the suspects opened a closed gate before walking toward the home, while some of them stayed in their car,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon explained. “The victims were leaving the home in a car when the suspects started shooting at them and the home.”
In a turn of events during the incident, the victims’ car struck one of the suspects. Another individual at the home returned fire.
“Everyone is very fortunate to have no serious injuries as no one was hit by the gunfire,” Sheriff Koon added. “Four of the suspects were arrested shortly after the shooting. Easterling was arrested Wednesday.”
Current Status
The Parcell and Smith brothers have been released from the Lexington County Detention Center after meeting the conditions of their bonds. Austin Michael Easterling remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before a magistrate in bond court on Thursday.
This incident highlights the ongoing issues of gun violence in the community and the need for vigilance and prompt response by law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.