COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina police say three people were injured in an overnight shooting in an area that's the center of nightlife in the state's capital city. 

Local media report the shooting occurred about 2 a.m. Sunday in Five Points in Columbia. 

The three male victims, all in their early 20s, were being treated at hospitals. Two victims were listed in critical condition late Sunday morning, while the third was in stable condition.

Columbia police identified the victims as a 23-year-old from Raleigh, North Carolina, who attends Saint Augustine University; a 22-year-old who is stationed at Shaw Air Force Base; and a a 20-year-old from Winnsboro.

Saint Augustine University released a statement saying Howard Boone Jr. is a "high achieving" criminal justice major from Raleigh and is visiting the area with friends. School officials say he is an "innocent victim." 

“The University continues to pray for Mr. Boone and his family, said Saint Augustine’s University president, Dr. Everett B. Ward. “Mr. Boone is a model student and well respected among his peers.”

The Columbia Police Department said in a news release that 22-year-old Arthur Jones Jr. is charged with three counts of attempted murder and other charges in connection with the Five Points shootings. His bond hearing is scheduled for Monday.

“We continue to be concerned with the rising incidences of gun violence affecting our young people, added. Dr. Ward. “It is time for serious dialogue to take place to address this national crisis.”

The annual St. Pat's in Five Points event was held Saturday in the area that's located near the University of South Carolina. 

 

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