Crime & Safety
Columbia Police Arrest Man in Olive Garden Shooting
The Columbia Police Department is still investigating the killing of a 21-year-old Columbia man.
A 20-year-old man was arrested for on Harbison Boulevard in December.
Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott said Gonzales Wardlaw, 20, is charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
Police say Wardlaw allegedly shot and killed Thomas T. Hoefer, 21, of Columbia, at Olive Garden on Dec. 29.
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Investigators say Hoefer, who was dining with family members, stepped away from a family gathering to talk with Wardlaw when Hoefer was shot in the parking lot.
Wardlaw and Hoefer may have been acquaintances, according to the department.
Find out what's happening in Irmo-Seven Oaksfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Wardlaw is currently being held at the Lexington County Detention Center.
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