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RREST MADE IN SHOOTING CASE - ADDITIONAL SUSPECT SOUGHT

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster has announced that they have made one arrest in the shooting that occurred early Saturday morning at the VFW building located on Old Whitmire Highway in Newberry County. In addition, Sheriff Foster said that they are seeking two other suspects in connection with the shooting.

Jenorris Alexander Trayman Lartman, 22, of 3538 Bush River Road, Newberry, was arrested Friday morning and charged with Discharging a Firearm Into A Dwelling and Engaging In A Riot. Lartman will also be charged with Attempted Murder.

Sheriff Foster said that investigators are still searching for an additional suspect. He identified the suspect as:

John Earl Bates Jr., 23, of 2121 Drayton St., Newberry, SC.

Sheriff Foster said that the investigation into this shooting has linked the men to at least one other shots fired incident (no one was struck) several weeks ago and possibly other crimes.

Additional updates will be issued as the case unfolds.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Bates men should contact the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 321-2222. Bates should be considered armed and dangerous.

“We are committed to stopping senseless violence in our communities,” said Sheriff Foster. “We have and will continue to join forces with our citizens to let those who chose to violate the law and endanger the lives of so many that we simply will not accept or tolerate such actions.”

Foster said that outside of those being sought thus far, he anticipated more arrests; however, he said that it was still too early in the investigation to give any specifics as to a number or time frame on those arrests.