Two Arrested After Shooting Inside Lancaster Walmart; Investigation Ongoing
LANCASTER, S.C. — April 2, 2025 — Two men have been arrested and multiple others are being sought following a shooting inside the Walmart at 805 Highway 9 Bypass West in Lancaster on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Lancaster Police Department, 18-year-old Lareakus Antonio Cunningham Jr. and 19-year-old Na’Rickio Laquan Mickle, were taken into custody and charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime, and Breach of Peace of a High and Aggravated Nature.
“Following the shooting incident at Walmart in Lancaster on April 1, 2025, the Lancaster Police Department has two individuals in custody,” the department said in a statement Wednesday. “Currently, both individuals are incarcerated at the Lancaster County Detention Center.”
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:34 p.m. on April 1. Officers from the Lancaster Police Department and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office responded within one minute of receiving emergency calls. Authorities said the incident took place in the store’s automotive section, and no Walmart customers or employees were injured.
Preliminary findings suggest that “multiple individuals discharged their weapons during the shooting incident,” police said. Two people sustained injuries and were taken for medical treatment; both are being detained as part of the ongoing investigation.
“This was not a random act of violence,” investigators stated, adding that “the individuals involved are known to each other.”
A third adult suspect, who remains hospitalized, is expected to be arrested upon release. “Warrants have been issued… and will be executed,” the department confirmed. A juvenile suspect is also being sought, and “a petition has been filed with the Department of Juvenile Justice.”
In addition, arrest warrants have been issued for two more adult suspects. “Efforts are underway to locate them as well,” the police department stated.
Lancaster Police Chief Don Roper expressed appreciation for the coordinated response. “This investigation is currently active. I want to express my gratitude to all the agencies that have stepped up to assist us and provide resources during this very complex investigation,” Roper said. “Their prompt response and teamwork have been essential in safeguarding our community.”
Sheriff Barry Faile added, “The emergency response to this incident was rapid and comprehensive. Units were on scene within a minute, and all hands responded… Our training for events like this paid dividends today.”
The investigation is being led by the Lancaster Police Department in collaboration with the Multijurisdictional Violent Crimes Task Force, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Sixth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Chester County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Highway Patrol, SC Probation and Parole, the FBI, Lancaster County EMS, local fire departments, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Lancaster Police Department at (803) 283-3313, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 283-3388, or the Special Operations Unit at (803) 283-1174. Anonymous tips can be submitted to the tip line at (803) 289-6040.
