The Columbia Police Department is investigating the deadly weekend shooting of a cab driver, according a CPD release.

Paul Swatsell is the man who died, according to his friends who are posting condolences on his Facebook page. Swatsell listed Cayce as his hometown and he lived in Lexington.

The shooting occurred in the 4300 block of Brookridge Drive, in Columbia, shortly before 10 p.m., Sunday.

A Columbia police Department release said: “The male victim was shot while working for Checker Yellow Cab Company. Additional information is limited at this time.”

While the Richland County Coroner’s Office had not released the identity of the victim early Tuesday morning, posts acknowledging Swatsell’s death, as his job as a cab driver, were appearing on his Facebook page.

“Paul was a wonderful, caring man and a 1984 graduate of Brookland-Cayce (High school.) He will be missed,” wrote Meri Lyn McNail.

Debbie Partain Cobra said: “A memorial service will be held (for Swatsell) on Wednesday December 18th @ 6:30 at Abundant Life Assembly, 105 Lincoln St. West Columbia SC.”

Another post on Swatsell’s Facebook page reads: “Did not know this man , But He died needlessly Why would you kill a cabby ? Just a sad story this close to the holidays RIP sir!”

Jerry Derrick said “Thanks for everything you done for me Paul I will miss you”

The Richland County Coroner’s Office is assisting Columbia Police with the investigation to determine the cause of death and in locating/notifying the victim’s relatives.

Citizens with information about the incident are encouraged to contact CRIMESTOPPERS in any of the following ways:
CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC.

LOG onto: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab.