BENNETTSVILLE — The Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Bennettsville Police Department, responded to a reported shooting incident on Jan. 27, within the city limits of Bennettsville.

MCSO officials said during the investigation, it was determined a male individual had been shot in the McColl area of Marlboro County and transported to a nearby hospital. As the ongoing investigation evolved, Sergeant Taylor (MCSO) from the deputy division reported he witnessed a silver Saturn discharging multiple rounds into a vehicle within the city limits. A vehicle pursuit ensued, culminating in the vehicle crashing off Quick Lane Road, they said.

Reports state three Black males exited the vehicle and fled on foot. A perimeter was established with the assistance of the Bennettsville Police Department and the Chesterfield County bloodhound team responded and successfully tracked down one of the individuals, taking him into custody in a wooded area behind a residence off Quick Lane Road, reports state.

Sheriff McNeil said he then requested Marlboro Central dispatch to issue robocalls in the surrounding area regarding the armed and dangerous individuals. A second suspect was identified through the assistance of nearby residents who provided reliable information to aid in the search for the remaining individuals, they said.

The second suspect was taken into custody a short time later on Pineview Road.

Javon Dease and Jahlil King Redfern have been charged with three counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle, failure to stop for blue lights and sirens, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

As of press time, the third suspect remains at large.

Officials said the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (crime scene) was requested to assist in processing the evidence. The Marlboro Sheriff’s office, along with the city of Bennettsville Police Department, said they will continue to diligently work together to “continue cracking down on the disregard for human life with these senseless shootings.”

“Today’s arrests were a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community working together for a common goal: A safer Marlboro County,” MCSO officials said. “Appreciation is extended to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, Bloodhound Team, for their assistance to both agencies.”

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.