Saint Augustine's University student wounded in SC shooting

South Carolina police say three people were injured in an overnight shooting in an area that's the center of nightlife in the state's capital city.

Local media report the shooting occurred about 2 a.m. Sunday in Five Points in Columbia.

The three male victims, all in their early 20s, were being treated at hospitals. Two victims were listed in critical condition late Sunday morning, while the third was in stable condition.

Columbia police identified the victims as a 23-year-old from Raleigh, North Carolina, who attends St. Augustine's University; a 22-year-old who is stationed at Shaw Air Force Base; and a a 20-year-old from Winnsboro.

According to a spokesperson from St. Augustine's, Howard Boone Jr. is a criminal justice major who was visiting the area with friends and was an "innocent victim" in the shooting.

"The University continues to pray for Mr. Boone and his family," said. Saint Augustine's University President Dr. Everett B. Ward. "Mr Boone is a model student and well respected among his peers."

University officials said Boone is a member of the school's Reserve Officer Training Corps and received his airborne certification last year. He hopes to join the U.S. Army upon graduation.

"We continue to be concerned with the rising incidences of gun violence affecting our young people," Ward said. "It is time for serious dialogue to take place to address this national crisis."

The annual St. Pat's in Five Points event was held Saturday in the area that's located near the University of South Carolina.