For at least the third time in 2023, Laurens Police as the year ended were asking the public for information related to a shooting suspect at the Topic Lounge, a West Main Street nightspot. This time, FOX Carolina issued a report and the Police shared it to Facebook about a Dec. 30 incident.
The lounge was playing host to an event for teens, the report said.
Reportedly, the shots fired call came in about 10:48 p.m. Two people were arrested, but a third suspect - “Alex” - was not immediately located.
The Laurens Police Department posted:
PRESS RELEASE:
UPDATE ON
SHOOTING
INVESTIGATION
On December 29, 2023, at 10:48 pm, the Laurens Police Department responded to a shooting incident at Topic Lounge Restaurant Bar & Grill, 1605 W. Main Street, Laurens, SC. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the establishment and a vehicle were hit, with over a dozen shell casings found.
UPDATE: SUSPECT
IDENTIFICATION
After identifying a suspect vehicle (Black Ford Mustang) and apprehending two suspects, a 17-year-old juvenile and Adrian Lee McCall (21), further investigation revealed another shooter. Thanks to your assistance, we’ve positively identified Nathan Alexander Brown (23, Black, Male, 6’01”, 160 lbs) within 48 hours.
URGENT: NATHAN
ALEXANDER
BROWN IS ON
THE RUN
Considered armed and dangerous, Brown frequents Spartanburg, Simpsonville and Laurens areas. If you know his whereabouts, DO NOT approach. Call 911; let Law Enforcement handle it. Seeking a peaceful resolution; we urge family and friends to encourage him to surrender voluntarily and peacefully for trial.
CONTINUING THE
INVESTIGATION
We’re still seeking information on the intended targets and other facts related to this case. Please contact the LPD Detectives Bureau at 864-984-3532 or amoore@cityoflaurenssc.com with any leads.
CHARGES MADE:
ADRIAN LEE
MCCALL AND
JUVENILE
Charges include:
Breach of Peace High and Aggravated Nature
Discharging in the City Limits
Minor in possession of a firearm (minor only)
Malicious damage to personal property
Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining public safety. Let’s work together to ensure a swift and just resolution
UPDATE: Nathan Alexander Brown is in custody! Arrested in Spartanburg at his residence. All parties involved in the shooting have been arrested and charged! Thank you Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office for your assistance.
The Topic Lounge is across the street from a major subdivision being developed for Laurens, and that tract is beside the old Bi-Lo shopping center, where the former grocery is being renovated into a family-friendly trampoline park. This location is less than a mile going west from Laurens District High School and less than a mile going east from the Laurens Library.
Comments to the LPD post say that there were 4 shootings at the site, and that the owners also are frustrated by the violence.
In early December, authorities said in another shooting at the same bar, a suspect, Malcolm Jamar Fuller, turned himself in with his attorney, and was held without bond.
Authorities also identified Kion Osha Ligon as a suspect in connection with the shooting, Nov. 21 just before midnight. The Police alleged, “Kion Osha Ligon, along with an accomplice, fired shots from a vehicle in the direction of the night club, resulting in charges of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. … At the time of the incident, Ligon was out on bond for two counts of attempted murder for an unrelated incident that occurred in February of this year. He is also currently awaiting trial for a conspiracy charge in relation to a murder in 2021. Note: The two attempted murders occurred on Independence Ave., and the murder took place on Spring St. in the city limits of Laurens, SC.”
Earlier, on March 12, the Laurens Police advised of the arrest of Aron Oryan Butler, 31, on attempted murder and other charges in connection with a March 12 incident at the Topic. He was at-large but, according to authorities, was apprehended by the SLED Fugitive Task Force.
One person was hurt in this shooting incident, according to the Police Facebook post. The injury was not life-threatening, the statement said.
Between the November shooting and the December shooting, the Laurens Police Department told the public, Crime Update from LPD! (December 4, 2023 at 8:12 PM):
Exciting news! Laurens City (SC) saw a significant decrease in all crime categories, thanks to YOU and our community efforts!
Our outreach, boosted social media presence (now 8,000+ followers!), tech upgrades, proactive approach to police work, community policing initiative and being fully staffed are making a real impact.
The Report: https://www.sled.sc.gov/forms/statistics/2022%20Crime%20in%20South%20Carolina.pdf
In a separate incident, the LPD posted: Laurens Police Department January 4, 2024 Additional Arrest Made in Ongoing Investigation
The Laurens Police Department is pleased to announce a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation. Chelsie Nicole Suber, 37 years old, residing at 211 Park Place, Laurens, SC, has been apprehended.
Ms. Suber faces charges of being an accessory after the fact of a felony, adding a crucial dimension to the legal proceedings. Her role as the getaway driver for the shooter in the incident below underscores the gravity of her involvement. The LPD remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice and will continue working diligently to bring resolution to this matter.
We extend our gratitude to the public for their cooperation and patience during this process. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds.
Original Post Below:
Press Release
Today at 3:00pm (Jan 3, 2024), Laurens PD responded to a shooting at the Super Mart & Grill (90 S Harper St Ext, Laurens, SC). After a verbal altercation, one person shot at another, accidentally hitting an innocent bystander’s car with them inside.
Quick response led to the arrest of Marqevius Janell Brown (33, Black, Male) at 211 Park Place, Laurens, SC, where guns, money, and drugs were discovered after the execution of a search warrant This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges on other persons may be coming soon.
Charges:
1 Attempted murder
2️ Possession of weapon during violent crime
3️ Discharging firearm into occupied vehicle
4️ Breach of Peace High and Aggravated Nature
More charges possible; help us by providing any info to Laurens PD Detectives Bureau.
Also, this is a post from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office:
This morning (1/4/2024) at approximately 4AM while on patrol in the area of Georgia Road and Shiloh Estates Road in Hickory Tavern, a deputy observed a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle stolen from Clinton at approximately 3AM. The deputy did attempt to initiate a traffic stop and the driver refused to stop, accelerating to high rates of speed, disregarding stop signs, and failing to maintain lane of travel. Eventually the vehicle was disabled and the pursuit ended in the area of Dial Place.
Russell Lee Ivester Jr. of Laurens was taken into custody and transported to the Laurens Detention Center where he will be charged as follows:
Grand Larceny with Enhancement
Driving Under Suspension, 2nd Offense
Failure to Stop for Blue Lights, 2nd or Subsequent Offense
“I want to commend the deputies for their swift actions this morning, resulting in a quick arrest. This thug has an extensive history of breaking the law and putting other citizens at risk. He’s where he belongs - in our detention center. Let’s hope the court system keeps him there.” - Sheriff Don Reynolds
Follow-up from the City of Laurens here.
