COLUMBIA, S.C. – A federal lawsuit has been filed against a Columbia apartment complex by a tenant claiming he was shot in the arm while sleeping in 2021. The lawsuit cites negligence and security failures on the part of the owners and management of The Rowan on Southern Drive. The plaintiff argues that the complex failed to provide a safe and habitable environment. Despite marketing itself as a secure place for students with exceptional amenities, attorney John Mobley, representing the plaintiff, alleges that the complex ignores the prevalent culture of violence and crime, which ultimately led to his client’s injury.
The incident, according to a Richland County Sheriff’s Department report, occurred in October of 2021 when the plaintiff, Jalyn Davis, was awakened by gunfire outside his window. The report explains that an unruly party in a neighboring apartment had escalated, leading to the shooting. Davis discovered he had been shot in the arm, with law enforcement finding a hole in his wall and a projectile on the ground.
According to the complaint, this incident happened a few months after Davis moved into The Rowan. A fellow tenant informed deputies that approximately 50 people were at her unit, and shots were fired as some of them were leaving. Following the incident, Davis decided to leave the complex.
The lawsuit, initially filed in Richland County, accuses The Rowan of failing to implement adequate security measures to protect tenants and inform them about potential threats. It argues that the complex neglected to properly train its security personnel in crime prevention. Davis contends that his injuries resulted directly from the complex’s failure to take appropriate action.
Attorney Mobley emphasizes the importance of holding corporations accountable through legal action. He asserts that the community must utilize the court system to challenge those who prioritize profits over resident safety.
Incident reports from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department obtained by WIS reveal a series of criminal activities on the premises in the five years leading up to the shooting, including aggravated assaults, robberies, shots fired incidents, sexual assault, kidnapping, and even murder.
The Rowan’s alleged lack of transparency regarding the extent of criminal activity at the complex is a significant concern, according to Mobley. He argues that their marketing presents a false picture of a safe and pleasant living environment, deceiving out-of-state parents searching for secure accommodation for their college-bound children.
Although not mentioned in the lawsuit, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department reports that a body was discovered at The Rowan in late January.
While some tenants believe that security measures have improved since then, they still feel insufficiently protected. Brandon Edwards, a senior at Midland Technical College and resident of The Rowan for two years, admits to the frequent presence of law enforcement outside his door. He emphasizes the apartment complex’s inadequate management and suggests that the current lawsuit may not be the only legal action taken against them.
Efforts to reach a representative for The Rowan have been unsuccessful.
The owners’ attorneys from Emres II South Carolina defend their clients, stating that they have always acted in good faith. They argue that any injuries sustained by Davis resulted directly from the alleged shooter and not from any action or inaction on behalf of The Rowan.
Residents of The Rowan are increasingly concerned about their safety, with many deciding not to renew their leases due to dissatisfaction with management and security issues.
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