North Charleston Police have identified a suspect in the fatal shooting of a 4-year-old child and are actively searching for the individual believed responsible for the December incident that terrorized a Van Buren Street neighborhood.

Police responded to reports of multiple shots fired in December, finding extensive property damage as bullets struck neighboring homes and vehicles. The 4-year-old victim died from gunshot wounds sustained during the incident.

The department has not released the suspect’s name or details about potential charges, citing the ongoing investigation. A police spokesperson said the case remains a top priority for the department’s criminal investigation division.

The Van Buren Street shooting marked one of several high-profile violent crimes that have drawn increased scrutiny to public safety measures across the Charleston region. City officials have faced mounting pressure to address gun violence, particularly incidents involving children.

Neighbors reported hearing rapid gunfire before discovering damage to their properties. Multiple vehicles parked along the street sustained bullet holes, and at least three residential structures showed evidence of being struck by rounds.

The December incident occurred in a predominantly residential area where families with young children live in close proximity. Several witnesses reported seeing individuals fleeing the scene immediately after the shooting stopped.

North Charleston Police Chief Reggie Burgess has not commented publicly on the investigation’s progress. The department typically releases suspect information only after arrests are made or when seeking public assistance in locating individuals.

The shooting death adds to Charleston County’s growing list of violent crimes involving minors as victims. Local advocacy groups have called for increased intervention programs and community policing initiatives to prevent similar tragedies.

Forensic evidence collected from the scene included shell casings and ballistics evidence that investigators believe will help build their case against the identified suspect. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is assisting with laboratory analysis.

The 4-year-old’s family has requested privacy during the ongoing investigation. No funeral arrangements have been announced publicly.

City Council members representing North Charleston districts have scheduled a public safety committee meeting to discuss the incident and review current crime prevention strategies. The session will examine whether additional police resources are needed in the Van Buren Street corridor.

Police have not disclosed whether the shooting was targeted or random, though the extensive property damage suggests multiple rounds were fired indiscriminately. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences.

The case represents the youngest victim in a series of shooting incidents that have plagued North Charleston neighborhoods over the past year. Politics & Government coverage has documented increasing concerns among residents about gun violence in residential areas.

Community leaders have organized several town hall meetings since the shooting to address safety concerns and coordinate with law enforcement. Attendance at these gatherings has grown as more families express fears about children’s safety in the area.

The North Charleston Police Department’s investigation involves multiple detectives working with federal partners to trace the weapon used in the shooting. ATF agents have joined the probe to determine how the firearm was obtained.

Mayor Keith Summey’s office has not issued a statement regarding the suspect identification or timeline for potential arrests. The mayor’s previous comments emphasized the city’s commitment to prosecuting violent crimes to the fullest extent.

Police are asking anyone with information about the December shooting to contact the North Charleston Police Department or Crime Stoppers. A reward fund has been established for tips leading to an arrest and conviction.

The investigation continues as detectives work to locate and apprehend the identified suspect. Additional charges may be filed as the case develops, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

North Charleston Police plan to increase patrols in the Van Buren Street area while the search for the suspect continues. Residents have been advised to report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately.