Antonio D. Toney dies in fatal Columbia shooting
Fatal Columbia shooting death of Antonio D. Toney
Officials have confirmed the identity of the individual who was killed during a law enforcement incident in Columbia on Tuesday. The victim, identified as Antonio D. Toney, was found deceased following a confrontation with Richland County deputies.
According to the Richland County Coroner, Nadia Rutherford, Toney, a 42-year-old resident of Columbia, passed away as a result of injuries sustained in the incident that took place in the 300 block of Ovanta Road. Deputies were dispatched to the scene just before 10 a.m. on Monday, responding to reports of gunfire in the area.
The Richland County Sheriff, Leon Lott, stated that Toney was allegedly involved in firing shots at construction workers who were finishing their tasks on the road outside their residence. Following this, Toney returned indoors and exchanged words with the deputies through a window, escalating the situation.
In his statement, Sheriff Lott explained that the deputies attempted to calm the situation without force, but Toney subsequently picked up a weapon, aimed it directly at the officers, and issued threats. The sheriff indicated that at that moment, a deputy named Shawn Sullivan fired a single shot, which struck Toney.
Toney was initially provided with medical care at the scene before emergency medical services were called. He was then transported to a nearby hospital, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries. The sheriff emphasized that the department is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the shooting, with the findings set to be reviewed by the solicitor’s office to determine if the use of force was justified.
Counseling services have been arranged for Deputy Sullivan, along with two other deputies—Deputy Mason Boney and Deputy Chris Miller—who were present at the scene during the encounter.
