Florence County, South Carolina – A shooting victim arrived at a Florence-area hospital in a private vehicle on June 19, leaving deputies with a wounded person but no immediate crime scene. Investigators then had to work backward, determining where the gunfire happened, what led to it and who was allegedly responsible.
More than three weeks later, that investigation produced an arrest. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office announced July 13 that an 18-year-old Florence man now faces three charges connected to the shooting.
Tavion Andre’ Covington, of Diggs Avenue, was arrested by sheriff’s office investigators on July 11. He has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and obstruction of justice.
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According to investigators, the shooting happened in the Brookgreen area of Florence County after Covington and the victim became involved in a verbal altercation. Authorities allege that Covington intentionally shot the victim during the dispute.
The sheriff’s office did not identify the victim or release details about the nature of the disagreement. Officials said the victim’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
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Investigators also accused Covington of providing false information about where the incident occurred. The sheriff’s office said that information directly delayed and impeded the investigation, resulting in the obstruction charge.
The case began when deputies were called to an area hospital regarding a gunshot victim who had been transported there by someone in a private vehicle. With the victim already away from the location where the shooting allegedly occurred, investigators were tasked with identifying the Brookgreen-area scene and reconstructing the events surrounding the incident.
Covington was charged under South Carolina laws covering attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and obstruction of justice. The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the court system.
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As of the sheriff’s office’s July 13 press release, Covington was being held at the Florence County Detention Center without bond. Additional custody and booking information is available through the Florence County Sheriff’s Office booking website.
