A South Carolina man is facing multiple attempted murder charges after he opened fire on a crowd gathering outside a nightclub early Sunday, police said.
Deputies with Spartanburg County said 32-year-old Jody Ray Thompson pulled out an illegally carried firearm during an argument with another man and fired several rounds toward a crowd outside Playoffz nightclub in Lyman, a local NBC News affiliate reported.
“His rounds struck 3 victims, and almost struck a fourth victim, who in self-defense, pulled his own weapon and fired, striking Thompson in the leg,” Lt. Kevin Bobo said.
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Lt. Bobo said the man who shot Mr. Thompson, who has not been identified, has a valid concealed weapons permit and will not face any charges.
None of the victims’ injuries were life-threatening, police said.
Mr. Thompson was charged with four counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He is being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Center.
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South Carolina passed a law in 2014 that allows people holding concealed weapon permits to carry guns inside establishments that serve alcohol.
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