Gunfire Erupts at Bluffton Retail Store Following Dispute

Bluffton, September 18, 2025

News Summary

A dispute at the Ross Dress for Less store in Bluffton escalated into gunfire, resulting in the arrest of three individuals. The incident started over service dissatisfaction and led to both parties pulling firearms in the parking lot. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The suspects, two local individuals and a woman from Georgia, face multiple charges related to the incident, highlighting growing concerns about public safety in retail environments.

Bluffton – Police arrested three individuals following a September 4 incident at the Ross Dress for Less store that escalated into gunfire. The confrontation began with a dispute between a customer and an employee, ultimately leading to shots fired in the store’s parking lot.

The situation unfolded when 24-year-old Danielle Nathaniel Wedderburn of Bluffton grew frustrated with the service while waiting at a watch display case. After expressing his dissatisfaction, Wedderburn paid for his items and exited the store. However, Khora Coke, 20, also from Bluffton, retrieved a firearm and confronted Wedderburn outside in the parking lot.

Witnesses reported that both individuals pointed firearms at each other and fired shots into the air, but fortunately, no injuries were reported during the violent exchange. Following the incident, Wedderburn turned himself in to law enforcement on Monday morning. He now faces charges for aggravated breach of peace and pointing and presenting firearms at a person.

Coke was apprehended on Thursday and is facing the same charges as Wedderburn. Additionally, a 45-year-old woman from Rincon, Georgia, was arrested for allegedly attempting to conceal evidence linked to the shooting. Although she was not directly involved in the confrontation, she has been charged with a common law offense for providing false information to authorities.

Both Wedderburn and Coke were released from custody after posting bail; Wedderburn on a personal recognizance bond of $70,000 and Coke on a cash bond of the same amount. The woman from Rincon was released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.

In South Carolina, pointing and presenting a firearm is classified as a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. Initial police reports from two witnesses indicated that only Wedderburn had fired shots, but further investigation revealed that Coke had also discharged her weapon. The incident transpired outside the store located on Malphrus Road.

Key Details:
– Date of Incident: September 4
– Location: Ross Dress for Less, Bluffton
– Suspects:
– Danielle Nathaniel Wedderburn, 24, Bluffton
– Khora Coke, 20, Bluffton
– An unnamed 45-year-old woman from Rincon, Georgia
– Charges:
– Both Wedderburn and Coke: Aggravated breach of peace, pointing and presenting firearms at a person
– Woman from Rincon: Lying to authorities
– Bail:
– Wedderburn: $70,000 personal recognizance bond
– Coke: $70,000 cash bond
– Woman from Rincon: $5,000 personal recognizance bond
– Potential Penalty: Up to five years in prison for firearm charges

Background Context:
The incident highlights the intensifying issues surrounding public safety and firearms in retail environments. Heightened emotional responses from customers, when combined with access to firearms, can create dangerous scenarios that pose risks to both individuals involved and bystanders. The authorities are committed to addressing such incidents to ensure public safety and maintain order in the community.

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Additional Resources

• Island Packet
• Wikipedia: Bluffton, South Carolina
• Live 5 News
• Google Search: Bluffton shooting
• WTOC
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
• ABC News 4
• Google News: Bluffton police
• WJCL

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.