Rock Hill Smoke Shop Shooting Leaves Two Dead
Rock Hill, SC – A tragic shooting at a smoke shop on Wednesday evening resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left another person wounded. The incident took place around 9:40 p.m. at Budimans’ Smoke Shop and Art Gallery on North Cherry Road. The alleged shooter, Zachary East Elias, 28, of Columbia, was taken into custody following the attack.
Details of the Incident
According to Rock Hill Police Department detective Robert Smith, Elias entered the smoke shop shortly after purchasing a psychedelic substance earlier in the day. Witnesses observed Elias firing at three individuals inside the store, killing two women and injuring a man. The deceased have been identified as Celci Johnson, 27, a store employee, and Emad Thabet Saadalla, 49, a customer.
The extent of injuries sustained by the third victim, whose identity has not yet been released, is currently unknown as she was transported to the hospital. During the turmoil, a fourth person managed to escape the shop through a back exit.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
Elias is facing multiple charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. The court hearing on Thursday revealed that Elias acted without provocation, according to the testimony provided by Detective Smith. “His actions were deliberate, violent, and without justification,” Smith stated in front of Judge Sara Russell.
Moreover, the shooting was reportedly captured by surveillance cameras inside the smoke shop, adding to the evidence against Elias. After the shooting, Elias fled the scene and crashed his vehicle on U.S. 21 at the Catawba River bridge, shortly after which police apprehended him.
Events Following the Shooting
After crashing his vehicle, Elias exited and approached police officers, leading to a confrontation. Reports indicate that one officer fired at Elias but did not hit him. Subsequently, police were forced to use a stun gun to take Elias into custody. He did not speak during the court proceedings, only stating that he intended to hire a lawyer.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The local community is grappling with the aftermath of the shooting. Family members of the victims expressed their devastation at the loss of their loved ones. The police chief, Chris Watts, has requested an independent investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) into the officer-involved shooting that occurred during Elias’s apprehension. As of now, SLED has not disclosed any additional details regarding the case.
Rock Hill police have confirmed that the investigation into the motive behind the shooting is ongoing. The circumstances surrounding why Elias was in Rock Hill, approximately 70 miles from his home in Columbia, remain unclear.
Conclusion
Elias has been denied bail and will be held at the York County jail as the investigation continues. The community is left to mourn the sudden and senseless loss of life in what was supposed to be an ordinary evening at a local business.
