Manning police went door to door at Manning Gardens Apartments on Friday, distributing anonymous tip-line cards and speaking with residents after two shootings were reported at the complex within three days. Several Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office deputies were in and out of the area to assist if needed.
Officers gathered in the parking lot for a brief safety meeting before splitting into teams and knocking on every apartment door. Cards with the city’s anonymous tip line, 803-433-8025, were left for residents who did not answer. Officers also checked several nearby homes to ensure neighbors were aware of the recent incidents and to document any concerns.
Residents spoke candidly during the outreach. One tenant told officers she has repeatedly reported issues but felt management “doesn’t care what happens to us over here.” Police said they have contacted the property owners directly and that ownership is cooperating and reviewing resident concerns.
The outreach, officers said, is part of a broader effort to gather information, increase visibility in the neighborhood and reassure the families who live there.
CHIEF ISSUES ZERO TOLERANCE WARNING
Manning Police Chief Sean Briley, just sworn in Tuesday evening, said the back-to-back shootings underscore why the department is moving swiftly under his leadership.
“If you are a gang member or participate in this type of behavior, it will not be tolerated by the Manning Police Department,” Briley said. “We know who the gang members are, and I want them to know we are watching them. Manning is not the place you want to be.”
Briley said the department is already implementing tougher deterrence measures and increasing enforcement pressure on individuals known to be involved in violent or gang-related activity. State and federal partners are assisting, he said, and the goal is to remove “the few bad apples” driving the violence so residents can feel safe in their homes.
TWO SHOOTINGS IN THREE DAYS
Around 10:24 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to reports of gunfire behind one of the apartment buildings. Police found several bullet holes in the exterior wall and inside the living room of a unit, where rounds damaged an interior wall and ceiling. Six occupants — including two juveniles — were inside the impacted apartments but were not injured. A neighboring apartment was also struck when a bullet came through a window and hit a television. Damage in the first incident was estimated at $5,750.
Then, on Wednesday around 3:30 a.m., a resident awoke to gunfire and later discovered bullet holes in her home. Three juveniles were also at the residence at the time. Police determined that at least one round pierced an exterior wall of a nearby unit and continued inside. No injuries were reported.
During Monday’s walkthrough, officers pointed out the damage left behind, noting that a trail through the woods behind the complex connects to a nearby church parking lot — a route they believe may be used by individuals approaching the buildings without being seen. Additional cameras and increased monitoring are being added in that area.
Shell casings from both incidents were photographed and collected as evidence. No suspect has been identified.
TIP LINE
Anyone with information about either shooting or suspicious activity in the area is urged to call the City of Manning’s anonymous crime tip line at 803-433-8025.
