COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Police Department says shootings across the city are increasing this year as officers prepare for what is typically a rise in violent crime during the summer months.
According to department data, 36 people have been shot in Columbia as of May 9, including five homicide victims.
Police said March was the most significant month so far, with 13 shootings reported. Twelve were nonfatal, while one resulted in a death. Investigators reported five shootings in January, eight in February and eight more in April…