Todd Rutherford who represents parts of Columbia and Richland County in the state house didn’t hold anything back today when he let Columbia Police Chief Tandy Carter have it. Referring to the shooting that took place at Club Level, Rutherford stated at a press conference today, “The blood of their kids is on Chief Tandy’s hands. That he could have prevented that, that he did nothing to do so, I’ve talked to him two times now about this very same point and he has refused to do anything about it”. Rutherford has asked the city’s police department to patrol Club Level like they patrol 5 Points and the Vista. Two people were shot last weekend outside of the club, neither was seriously injured. The club owners have also wanted to hire off duty police officers to work at the club, but in order for that to happen the city has to give its permission to the officer. It is not uncommon for off duty officers to work at different bars and clubs around the city, but for some reason none have gotten permission to work at Club Level. Chief Carter who only became chief a couple of months ago would not comment on the situation.
6 responses so far ↓
1 Thomas // Jun 18, 2008 at 9:20 am
It seems like the city of Columbia has had problems with their police chief since Charles Austin. It shows that the police would rather hang out in five points and bust college kids.
2 John Q // Jun 18, 2008 at 9:43 am
Someone is going to get into a lot of trouble over this. Something does not seem right. Why would the police not patrol an area where hundreds of people will hitting the streets at the same time. Not to mention hundreds of people who have been drinking.
3 Crime Time // Jun 18, 2008 at 11:28 am
why would the police ignore a known problem area? i bet the cops will be around this weekend.
4 Timmy // Jun 18, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Way to stand up for the little guy, Todd. It’s nice to know that someone is looking out for us.
5 Steven // Jun 19, 2008 at 9:34 am
What is Columbia’s problem? You can’t pick and choose when and where you want to work.
6 Stewart Little // Jun 19, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Way to go Todd, thanks for exposing whats wrong with this city. I wish there were more people like you in the legislature.
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