Carolina’s Newberry County.After a lengthy standoff and pursuit to a nearby golf club, a woman was killed and a 45-year-old male was taken into custody in a tragic incident that occurred Monday morning on Interstate 26 in Newberry County, South Carolina.
Suspect Identified and Captured Near Golf Course
The SC-773/Prosperity exit, Exit 82, is where the incident started, according to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. West Columbia resident Wilfrido George Luna, 45, is accused by authorities of shooting a woman while she was in a car on the interstate.
Luna apparently got out of the SUV and ran across the highway after the incident. Following their prompt arrival on the site, deputies began a pursuit. After a brief confrontation, Luna was finally discovered and traced to the Mid-Carolina Country Club. Without incident, he was placed under arrest.
Golf Club Shutdown During Search
When the staff at the country club learned of the threat, they acted promptly.The Mid-Carolina Country Club’s general manager, Scott Crouch, recounted the anxious moments:
We had to go on lockdown since he was quite close by and they were searching for him. He was actually standing here at the entryway when they caught him. Fortunately, by the time we did, everyone had left the golf course.
Operations at the club resumed after the suspect was taken into custody and the area was secured.
Schools Temporarily Locked Down
Authorities put Prosperity-Richardson School, Mid-Carolina Middle School, and Mid-Carolina High School on lockdown as a precaution. After the area was judged safe, the measure, which had been in place for around half an hour, was removed.
Investigation Underway into Motive and Events
The victim’s name has not yet been made public. Investigators are trying to ascertain what happened before the shooting and whether there was a link between the defendant and the victim, Sheriff Lee Foster said. As of right now, authorities think the occurrence was isolated and that the public is not in any danger.
Sheriff Foster revealed a startling detail: the scenario also involved an atractor-trailer, though it’s unclear exactly what part it played.
There is a tractor trailer engaged in some way. They were riding in a little SUV. Although we don’t really know how, the suspect was able to flag down the tractor trailer vehicle and it was involved in the incident after both of them got out of the SUV.
For updates on this evolving case as additional details become available, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
