Beaufort, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Two separate shooting incidents occurred at a Walmart store in Beaufort, resulting in the arrest of a father and son. The police describe the first shooting as linked to road rage, while the second incident escalated from a previous altercation. The suspects face multiple charges, including discharging firearms and assault, though no injuries were reported. The Beaufort Police have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Beaufort – Dual Shooting Incidents Lead to Arrests
Two separate shooting incidents at a Walmart store in Beaufort on Monday evening resulted in the arrest of a father and son. The first shooting occurred shortly before 5 p.m., with approximately three gunshots fired in what police are describing as an alleged road rage situation. No suspects were identified in the first incident.
Approximately two and a half hours later, around 7:40 p.m., a second shooting erupted from the same parking lot, with around four gunshots reported. This incident was linked to an altercation stemming from an earlier event outside the jurisdiction of the Beaufort police. Authorities stated that 52-year-old John Michael Findlay was accused of firing shots that targeted a victim’s vehicle during this second incident. Although the second shooting did not result in any gunshot injuries, significant damage was reported to the vehicle struck by the gunfire.
In connection with the same incident, John Michael Findlay’s 20-year-old son, James Maxwell Findlay, was arrested for allegedly breaking out the driver-side window of the victim’s vehicle and physically assaulting the driver.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
John Michael Findlay has been charged with discharging firearms within Beaufort city limits and two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, a felony in South Carolina that could lead to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Meanwhile, James Maxwell Findlay faces charges of malicious injury to property and misdemeanor assault and battery.
As of noon on Tuesday, John Michael Findlay had not posted his granted cash bonds totaling $51,087.50, while James Maxwell Findlay was released on personal recognizance bonds amounting to $3,212.50.
Safety and Investigation Update
Beaufort Police indicated that both shooting incidents are considered unrelated. By 9:10 p.m. on the same day, the scene was secured, and investigators confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the public. The developments concerning the incidents have been confirmed by Lt. Lori Reeves and other authorities from the Beaufort Police Department.
Background Context on Gun Violence
Gun violence remains a critical issue across the country. Incidents of road rage, particularly involving firearms, have escalated in recent years. Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize the need for responsible gun ownership and conflict resolution to mitigate violent confrontations.
The legal ramifications for assault and battery offenses in South Carolina are significant, reflecting the state’s efforts to curtail violent behavior and maintain public safety. The current situation in Beaufort serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence in public spaces and the need for swift law enforcement response.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the details of the first shooting incident at Beaufort Walmart?
The first shooting incident involved approximately three gunshots and occurred minutes before 5 p.m., related to an alleged road rage situation without any identified suspects.
What happened during the second shooting incident?
The second incident occurred around 7:40 p.m., involving about four gunshots fired from the same parking lot, stemming from an altercation connected to a prior event outside Beaufort police’s jurisdiction.
What charges were filed against John Michael Findlay?
John Michael Findlay has been charged with discharging firearms within Beaufort city limits and two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.
What charges were filed against James Maxwell Findlay?
James Maxwell Findlay faces charges of malicious injury to property and misdemeanor assault and battery.
Were there any injuries resulting from the shooting incidents?
No gunshot injuries were reported from either shooting incident, although the victim’s vehicle was damaged during the second incident.
Was there any ongoing threat to the public following the incidents?
Authorities confirmed that no ongoing threat to the public existed after securing the scene shortly after 9:10 p.m.
Key Features of the Shooting Incidents
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First Incident Time | Before 5 p.m. |
| Number of Shots Fired (First Incident) | Approximately three |
| Second Incident Time | Around 7:40 p.m. |
| Number of Shots Fired (Second Incident) | Approximately four |
| John Michael Findlay’s Charges | Discharging firearms, two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature |
| James Maxwell Findlay’s Charges | Malicious injury to property, misdemeanor assault and battery |
| Vehicle Damage | Yes, from gunfire during the second incident |
| Injuries Reported | No, from either incident |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Beaufort Walmart shooting
- WTOC
- Google Scholar: Road Rage Shootings
- WSAV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- WJCL
- Google News: Beaufort shooting charges
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