Sheriff: Man Shot for Stealing Groceries

A Richland County man is in jail after deputies say he shot another man who stole his groceries. 

Ronald Watkins, 39, was shopping at Capital Foods at 4709 Broad River Road on Feb. 6 when he put groceries in his car and went back inside to get the rest, according to the sheriff's department. When Watkins came back, he saw a man reaching into his car. 

Deputies say Watkins got into a physical fight with the man and his accomplice.

When Watkins pulled up to his house at Country Townes of St. Andrews at 1320 Piney Grove Road, the two men were there waiting on him, according to the sheriff's department. They assaulted him and took his groceries. 

A few days later on Feb. 6 around 5 p.m., Watkins shot one of the men multiple times at Country Towne Suites of St. Andrews, according to the sheriff's department. The victim was transported to Palmetto Richland and is now in stable condition. 

Deputies arrested Watkins Sunday after a tip from Crimestoppers led them to conduct a traffic stop on Watkins. He had a handgun in the car that was later identified as the weapon used in the attempted murder, according to the sheriff's department.

Watkins was transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. He is charged with attempted murder, breach of peace and possession of drugs.