Police search for group of men in suspected drive-by BB gun shooting

Police are looking for the men they said shot a man with a BB or pellet gun, then struck him with their car early Wednesday morning in central Columbia.

Columbia police Capt. Steve Monticelli said the male victim, 31, and a male friend were walking home on Worley Street near McBaine Avenue at about 4:45 a.m. The two men said they had been playing basketball after a late shift at work. They told police that a car pulled up beside them and fired a BB or pellet gun, hitting the 31-year-old man twice. The other man was not injured.

The car continued west on Worley Street, then turned around and came back toward the man, who was standing on the edge of the street, according to a news release. The car swerved and knocked him to the ground. The victim told the police it drove eastbound on Worley Street. The victim was taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Monticelli said the victim did not know the suspects, described in the news release as two to three men in their late teens to early twenties.

The car was described as a two- or four-door white, newer model Nissan Altima or Maxima, Monticelli said. He added that the car might have damage on the front passenger side and windshield.

Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers, 875-8477.