The West Columbia Police Department has charged Jonathan Russell Saylor, 34, with Attempted Murder, Discharging a Firearm into a Vehicle, two counts of Discharging a Firearm into a Dwelling, three counts of Malicious Injury to Personal Property, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Violent Crime. Mr. Saylor’s bond hearing was set for 3 PM, on Wednesday. He is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center. Mr. Saylor is a white male and resides in Charleston. He sustained minor injuries including a gunshot wound to the lower body and a wound from a K-9 apprehension. The investigation is ongoing as the scene continues to be processed.

The West Columbia Police Department responded to a domestic violence call at 110 McSwain Drive, West Columbia, at 1 PM, on Tuesday. On scene, officers spoke with the female involved and continued to the 5th floor to contact the suspect Jonathan Russell Saylor (34yoa). Mr. Saylor shut the door on the officers and told them that he was going to shoot them. West Columbia Police Officers, trained in crisis negotiations, were on the scene and made contact to de-escalate the situation. Mr. Saylor then shot rounds through the door and shot several rounds within the room.

The West Columbia Police Department then requested additional resources from SLED and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Saylor broke through his window to the hotel room overlooking Sunset Blvd. and began firing at approaching law enforcement. SLED returned fire at the suspect. The West Columbia Police Department’s drone as well as SLED’s robots were used for a better view of what was happening in the hotel room. The West Columbia Police Department took Mr. Saylor into custody after making entry at approximately 7:20 PM.

The West Columbia Police Department would like to thank their law enforcement partners in assisting with today’s incident including the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Lexington Medical Center Police Department, Cayce Police Department, West Columbia Fire Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and the Lexington County EMS.