Beaufort, September 24, 2025
News Summary
In Beaufort, South Carolina, two individuals were arrested following two separate shooting incidents at a Walmart Supercenter. The police received multiple reports of gunfire, with no injuries reported in either case. The first incident, believed to stem from road rage, resulted in shell casings being found. The second incident involved a targeted shooting of a vehicle by one suspect while the other was charged with assaulting the driver. Both incidents were secured by police, who confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Two individuals are in custody following two shooting incidents that took place at the Walmart Supercenter located at 350 Robert Smalls Parkway. The Beaufort Police Department received multiple calls regarding gunfire on Monday, with the first call reported before 5 p.m. and a second around 7:40 p.m.
In the initial incident occurring before 5 p.m., no injuries were reported, but police discovered shell casings and determined that approximately three gunshots had been fired. This incident was linked to an alleged road rage situation, though no suspects were identified at that time.
The second call, which occurred later in the evening, involved about four shots fired during an altercation that stemmed from an earlier dispute outside the jurisdiction of the Beaufort police. John Michael Findlay, a 52-year-old resident of Beaufort, was identified as the shooter who allegedly targeted a victim’s vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries resulted from this incident, but the vehicle involved did sustain damage.
Along with John Michael Findlay, his 20-year-old son, James Maxwell Findlay, was also arrested. He faces charges of assaulting the driver and damaging the vehicle by punching out the driver-side window. The police department confirmed that the two shooting incidents were unrelated.
For legal consequences, John Michael Findlay has been charged with discharging firearms within city limits and two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, which is a felony carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years. His son, James Maxwell Findlay, is charged with malicious injury to personal property and misdemeanor assault and battery.
As of Tuesday noon, John Michael Findlay had been granted cash bonds totaling $51,087.50 but had not yet posted bail. In contrast, his son was released on personal recognizance bonds totaling $3,212.50, which means he would not have to pay the amount unless he violated court conditions.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from either shooting incident. The police secured both scenes immediately following the incidents and affirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public. While the investigation remains ongoing, the authorities continue to gather information surrounding the events that occurred on Monday evening.
Background Context
Beaufort, South Carolina, has seen its share of incidents leading to police intervention. In cases of road rage and shooting scenarios, law enforcement typically has to act swiftly to ensure public safety. The city is often bustling with activity, making such incidents concerning for both residents and visitors alike. The ongoing investigation into these recent shooting incidents highlights the need for vigilant community law enforcement to mitigate such occurrences and ensure the safety of the public.
FAQ Section
1. What were the shooting incidents at the Walmart Supercenter in Beaufort, SC about?
Two people are in custody after shooting incidents at a Walmart Supercenter in Beaufort, South Carolina, with the Beaufort Police Department receiving two separate calls for shots fired.
2. When did the shooting incidents occur?
The first call regarding the shooting incident occurred before 5 p.m., and the second call was reported before 7:40 p.m. on the same day.
3. Were there any injuries reported from the incidents?
No injuries were reported from either shooting incident, but the vehicle involved in the second incident sustained damage.
4. What charges were filed against the suspects?
John Michael Findlay is charged with discharging firearms within city limits and two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, while James Maxwell Findlay faces charges of malicious injury to personal property and misdemeanor assault and battery.
5. Is there any ongoing threat to the public?
Police secured the scenes of both incidents and stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Key Features of the Events
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Walmart Supercenter, 350 Robert Smalls Parkway, Beaufort, SC |
| Incident Dates | Monday |
| First Incident Time | Before 5 p.m. |
| Second Incident Time | Before 7:40 p.m. |
| Suspects | John Michael Findlay, 52, and James Maxwell Findlay, 20 |
| Charges Against John Michael Findlay | Discharging firearms within city limits, two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature |
| Charges Against James Maxwell Findlay | Malicious injury to personal property, misdemeanor assault and battery |
| Injuries Reported | No |
| Ongoing Threat | No ongoing threat to the public |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Operation Safe Drive 278 to Enhance Traffic Safety in Beaufort
Police Respond to Shooting Incident in Beaufort, S.C.
Suspect in Custody Following Shots Fired in Beaufort
Beaufort Schools Secure Status After Weapon Incidents
Battery Creek High School Student Charged with Weapon Possession
Beaufort Schools Secured After Weapon Concerns
University of South Carolina Enhances Campus Safety and Embraces AI
Gunfire Erupts at Bluffton Retail Store Following Dispute
Bluffton Woman Charged in Husband’s Shooting Incident
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Beaufort Walmart Shooting
- 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.
