Richland County deputies are investigating a shooting at the South Carolina State Fair that left a 15-year-old teenager injured.
The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, when the unnamed teen was hit by gunfire in the lower body, Sgt. Kevin Lawrence said, reported CBS' Georgia affiliate WRDW-TV. The intial severity of the injury was not revealed, but it was reportedly bad enough for responders to find it necessary to rush the victim to the hospital, rather than treat him on the scene.
Authorities failed to release any details about the shooting, but say the shooting was not gang-related. Authorities also have a possible suspect in custody, but declined to reveal his identity, according to NBC's South Carolina affiliate News 2.
The victim is reported, as of Sunday, to be in stable condition and remains hospitalized at Palmetto Health. Lawrence elaborated, saying the victim appears to be coherent and is trying to aid law enforcement as much as he can.
Authorities and officials were shocked to learn of the incident, especially since they have taken measures to increase safety regulations at the fair over the years, according to WLTX 19.
"Everyone that comes through goes through metal detectors and is wanded," General Manager Gary Goodman said. "We have had no instances like this ever. All I can say it's just one of those things where somehow they got a gun in here and we don't know how yet."
Despite suspending all operations except for those along the midway until 11 p.m., the fair reopened Sunday at noon as scheduled.
