Police identify suspect in Friday shooting of Columbia teen

COLUMBIA — Police have identified a suspect in Friday's shooting of a 15-year-old male in central Columbia, near the intersection of Benton Street and Garth Avenue.

Police are looking for William Darnell McNeary, 24, and warrants have been issued for first-degree assault and armed criminal action, with a $200,000 bond, according to a news release from the Columbia Police Department.

The victim's identity and condition are unknown at this time, though Detective Jeff Westbrook said the injuries were not life-threatening.

At about 3:30 p.m. Friday, a man driving a black pickup truck pulled up alongside the victim, who was walking eastbound on Benton Street, according to the release. The man spoke to the victim and then fired three shots, striking him in the hand and leg, before leaving the scene. Police later recovered the truck and found shell casings inside.

Anyone with information about McNeary’s whereabouts can call the police department at 874-7652, or contact CrimeStoppers at 875tips.com or by calling 875-tips.