3 Arrested After Deputies Seize Stolen Handgun, Assault Rifle

Richland County deputies arrested three men Saturday night after seizing a stolen handgun and an assault rifle in Eastover.  

Erick Stewart, 17, is charged with possession of a stolen weapon. Darian Chandler, 19, is charged with driving without a license. Michael Hall, 29, is charged with unlawful carrying of a pistol. 

Deputies were patrolling near Anderson and Main streets in Eastover around 9 p.m. Saturday during the town's Parade and Barbecue Festival, according to the sheriff's department. They heard several gunshots nearby.

Deputies saw Chandler, Stewart and another man jump into a yellow and purple 2002 Crown Victoria, according to the sheriff's department. Deputies stopped the vehicle and saw a handgun on the floor board. They later determined the gun was stolen out of Clarendon County. 

Just a few blocks away, deputies on foot patrol at Main and Henry streets heard the same shots being fired and saw a white 2006 Ford Crown Victoria involved in the shooting at Anderson and McGrath streets, according to the sheriff's department.

After interviewing citizens, deputies determined that a man opened the trunk of the white Crown Victoria, pulled out an assault rifle and fired shots in the air, according to the sheriff's department. He then put the weapon back into the trunk and ran into the woods.

Deputies are still looking for that man.

Information from citizens also led deputies to Hall, who was also in the area and in possession of a handgun, according to the sheriff's department.

Stewart, Chandler, and Hall were transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.