LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Charlotte man has been arrested after allegedly trying to rob a liquor store with a handgun, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, deputies responded to Stateline Elite at 9804 Charlotte Highway in Indian Land about shots fired in the store. At the time of the incident, there were five employees and four customers in the store.
Witnesses say the suspect, 27-year-old Datatrius Marques Vaughn-McHam, entered the store, picked up two cases of high-dollar tequila, and attempted to walk out without paying for it. Officials say one employee attempted to physically restrain Vaughn-McHam while another blocked the exit.
The suspect then allegedly pulled out a 9 mm pistol from his pocket and the employees struggled over the gun. Two shots were fired but did not hit anyone, officials said. A customer then stepped in to help the employees restrain Vaughn-McHam until deputies arrived.
Officials say one employee was bitten during the altercation and the suspect suffered a bloody nose. No other injuries were reported.
According to the sheriff’s office, Vaughn-McHam was wanted by several North Carolina law enforcement agencies, and the piston he had was reported lost to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on New Year’s Eve.
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Vaughn-McHam was booked into the Lancaster County Detention Center without bond for attempted murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. Authorities say a detainer was placed upon him by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.
“This was a very dangerous incident, and I am thankful no one was shot or seriously hurt,” Sheriff Barry Faile said. “While we are glad Vaughn-McHam was detained by the employees and a customer, I caution folks that what begins as a property crime like this can quickly turn into a life-or-death situation when you don’t know who you’re dealing with or what he might have on him. The better course is to get a good description or photos of the suspect and his car with a tag number and pass that information on to the police.”
