Two Injured, One Arrested in Richland County Walmart Shooting
Details of the Event
RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. – A chaotic scene unfolded at a Walmart in Richland County on Sunday night as gunfire shattered the quiet routine of shopping. On July 29, authorities confirmed that the shooting resulted in two people being injured and one person arrested. The apprehended suspect is Matthew Hermz, 24, who faces serious charges including manufacturing/possession of a controlled substance with the intention to distribute.
The harrowing incident came to pass in the late evening, approximately 9 pm at the Walmart located on Killian Road. On the scene, authorities discovered a vehicle with the passenger-side door ajar, presenting a visible bag of green “plant-like material” on the floorboard and another by the door, as detailed in the incident report. Indicative of the gunfire exchanged, the vehicle’s rear driver-side window was shattered, and the driver’s side was peppered with bullet holes.
Investigation Progress
Police also discovered a malfunctioned Glock pistol lying on the ground almost six feet from the vehicle. The suspect, Hermz, was identified by a witness at the scene. He was amongst the injured, from a gunshot wound to the forearm. Authorities promptly transported Hermz to a local hospital for treatment before being booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
A second person was identified and detained by authorities; their role in the incident, if any, remains unclear. Another victim later arrived at a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening by medical personnel.
Call for Public Assistance
In the search for truth, the incident is still under active investigation. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is urging those with any information related to the Walmart shooting, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. They can be contacted directly or information can be submitted anonymously through the 888-CRIME-SC hotline.
Community Impact
Echoes of the shots fired in the Walmart reverberate in the Richland County community. The incident adds to the ongoing concern over public safety in shared spaces. The impact of this incident on the community and its perceptions of safety remain to be seen. Nevertheless, the swift action of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department underscores their commitment to public safety and justice in the face of criminal activity.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
