Saturday night shooting on Main Street still under investigation

Columbia police officers were seen exiting Sky Bistro Lounge on Monday afternoon as the victim of Saturday night’s nearby shooting remained in critical condition.

The officers declined to comment, but the Columbia Police Department is continuing its investigation into the shooting that happened at the intersection of Main and Washington streets. Officers went in and out of businesses on Main Street, talking to business owners.

The suspect turned himself in to the police department and has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to a Monday tweet from the department.

While business owners and employees in the area were reluctant to speak about the shooting, Matt Kennell, president and CEO of the Main Street District, said he thinks the concerns are “definitely there.”

“It’s always concerning when a violent incident occurs,” Kennell said.

The shooting began with an altercation Saturday night inside the Sky Bistro Lounge, the police department said in tweets Sunday. The business’ security escorted the two men outside, where the clash escalated. Shots were fired shortly after midnight. The victim was shot in the lower body and was rushed to the hospital, where he remained in critical condition late Monday.