COLUMBIA, SC — A planned online transaction turned into a violent robbery attempt in Richland County on Sunday evening, resulting in the victim being critically injured but managing to return fire, striking both alleged attackers.
According to a report by WLTX, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. in the area of Kelford Drive and Anwood Drive, just off Trotter Road. Deputies responded to the scene after receiving a 911 call from the victim, who reported that he had been shot and was driving himself to the hospital. Law enforcement located the victim en route and provided aid until EMS arrived.
Investigators determined that the suspects, identified as 20-year-old Daquan Lewis Benjamin and 19-year-old Devin Moultrie, had allegedly arranged an online sale to lure the victim to the location. When the victim arrived, the suspects reportedly attempted to rob him at gunpoint and then opened fire. Despite being wounded, the victim managed to draw his own firearm and return fire, striking both suspects.
Shortly after the incident, two men with gunshot wounds—later identified as Benjamin and Moultrie—arrived at local hospitals. One of the suspects was also reportedly seen walking through a homeowner’s backyard with a rifle prior to the shooting, which prompted a separate 911 call.
Benjamin has since been released from the hospital and booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of Attempted Armed Robbery, Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, and Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime. Moultrie remains hospitalized but is expected to face the same charges upon release.
This incident underscores the risks involved in meeting strangers for online transactions. When arranging such meetups, always choose a public, well-monitored location like a police department’s designated safe exchange zone. Most importantly, carrying a legally owned firearm and being trained in its use can be the deciding factor in surviving a deadly encounter.
