Rock Hill Teen Faces Charges After Shooting Incident
A 17-year-old from Rock Hill is facing serious legal charges following a shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon during a dispute over a THC vape sale. The teen, identified as Ervin Jackie Stephan Myers, has been charged as an adult with attempted murder, attempted armed robbery, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, according to a statement from the Rock Hill Police Department.
The Incident
The incident took place shortly before 5 p.m. in a vehicle located in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Patriot Parkway, a quiet area off Cherry Road south of Interstate 77. This unexpected event has left local residents concerned about safety and the implications of drug-related crimes in their community.
What Happened?
According to Lieutenant Michael Chavis of the Rock Hill police, Myers allegedly pulled out a gun while attempting to rob another person he was selling a THC vape to. This led to a struggle over the weapon during which both individuals were shot. The other party involved, whose identity has not been released, sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. As of Friday, the victim’s condition remains unclear.
Myers’ Condition
Myers himself suffered a gunshot wound to the arm during the altercation. He will be served arrest warrants once he is released from medical care. In light of the violence, police recovered the firearm involved in the incident, adding further details to their investigation.
The Role of THC Vapes
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana, responsible for altering a person’s mental state. Vapes designed for THC work by heating oil cartridges, allowing individuals to inhale vaporized substances. The rising use of these products among teenagers raises significant concern about potential risks and illegal activities linked to their sale.
Impact on the Community
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with drug sales and the escalating violence that can arise from such transactions. The growing trend of using vapes, particularly those containing THC, among young people has become a focal point in discussions about drug education and community safety.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, the Rock Hill community is left with questions about the implications of this shooting. The police department is urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. Both the victim and Myers remain in medical care as the legal proceedings begin to unfold.
Residents are reminded of the importance of addressing drug-related issues in their community proactively. With charges filed against Myers, it remains to be seen how the legal system will respond to this serious situation in the days to come.
