Man who opened fire on busy SC street, and shot at cops, faces new charge, prosecutor says
The man who brought part of Columbia to a standstill two years ago when he opened fire while walking down a busy road was recently indicted on a new federal charge, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Brandon Chanell Joyner, a 28-year-old Columbia resident, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Wednesday in a news release.
The new charge is connected to the July 18, 2023, incident when Joyner was walking near the intersection of Greystone Boulevard and Stoneridge Drive shortly after 11:30 a.m., and started shooting into the air before firing at law enforcement officers who responded to the gunfire, the Columbia Police Department said.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene — which was blocked for hours including the I-126 exit for Greystone Boulevard — as police were joined by members of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Joyner was shot in the upper body by a Columbia police officer during the incident and was taken to jail after being released from an area hospital.
Two officers were injured in the incident.
One officer injured his knee while running toward the crime scene, and the other received “a small nick” while attempting to locate Joyner, according to police. Both officers were examined by medical personnel and cleared, police said.
No other injuries were reported, and there was no word on a motive for the shooting.
At least one police car was shot multiple times, according to Deputy Chief Melron Kelly.
Charges
Joyner has previous felony convictions that prevent him from lawfully possessing a firearm, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. If convicted on the federal charge, Joyner faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, along with a term of supervised release of up to three years, according to the release.
He is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center while awaiting trial for the state charges related to the incident.
Joyner was denied bond on the state charges, which include 10 counts of attempted murder, a pair of first-degree domestic violence charges, in addition to single counts of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, discharging a firearm into an occupied motor vehicle, possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime, unlawful carrying of a pistol and breach of peace (high and aggravated), jail records show.
Criminal history
Joyner has a criminal record that dates back to 2014, according to a background check obtained by The State. Court records show he has been convicted of multiple misdemeanor and felony offenses including disorderly conduct, burglary and assault and battery.
In 2022, Joyner was charged with publicly discharging a firearm in Greenwood and possessing a weapon as a convicted felon. He received bond on those charges and the case’s disposition remains pending.
Kelly said that Joyner is a “documented gang member” who is on probation and is prohibited from carrying a weapon.
The federal case was investigated by the ATF, SLED, Columbia police and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and will be prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sanford. The 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will prosecute the state charges. Public Defender and Columbia attorney Kathleen Warthen was listed as Joyner’s lawyer, Richland County court records show.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 11:30 AM with the headline "Man who opened fire on busy SC street, and shot at cops, faces new charge, prosecutor says."
