Bluffton, SC: A Card Game Turns Dangerous
In a shocking incident that has left the Bluffton community buzzing, a friendly game of spades turned tumultuous, resulting in a serious shooting that has raised eyebrows and concerns among residents. What started as an innocent gathering quickly spiraled out of control, leaving one man fighting for his life and another facing serious criminal charges.
The Incident Unfolds
On September 1st, just after midnight, local authorities received a distress call from a home on Maidencane Street, part of the Wellstone at Bluffton neighborhood. The situation was grave—an individual had been shot in the neck and possibly in the side. The 43-year-old victim from Savannah was immediately taken to Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville.
When the police arrived at the hospital, they learned from the victim and his aunt that the chaos began over a few friendly rounds of spades with a modest $20 buy-in. The victim claimed he hadn’t contributed to the pot, which angered a man named Wesley Bush III, the father of the victim’s cousin’s child. Tensions flared, leading Bush to make alarming threats against the man’s life as their argument escalated.
Driven by Anger
After the initial confrontation, both men retreated to their respective vehicles. The victim, aiming to calm down, pulled over on May River Road to collect his thoughts. It was at this moment that he noticed Bush’s car approaching from behind. Due to the disturbing nature of their earlier dispute, the last thing he expected was for the situation to escalate further. However, it did—suddenly, shots were fired. According to the victim, he heard ten distinct gunshots ring out from Bush’s vehicle, forcing him to duck and dodge for his life.
In an act of self-defense, the victim retrieved his own handgun and fired three shots back. But instead of sticking around, Bush sped off, leaving the scene behind him.
Evidence and Arrest
After the shooting, Bluffton police were quick to gather evidence. They found bullet holes on the victim’s truck parked outside the hospital, along with nine shell casings and shards of broken glass at the scene. Neighboring CCTV footage showed the victim knocking on doors, desperately seeking help, with the chilling moment captured as he exclaimed, “No, call the police, I have been shot three times.”
Within hours, officers managed to piece together the events that transpired and issued arrest warrants for Bush. He was eventually taken into custody by Beaufort County deputies just a couple of days later on the afternoon of September 25th.
The Legal Consequences
Bush is facing multiple serious felony charges, including attempted murder, discharging a firearm into a vehicle, and unlawful possession of a handgun. To add to his troubles, he is also charged with fleeing police and a misdemeanor count of domestic violence. During his courtroom appearance, a judge ordered that he have no contact with the victim and delayed the bond decision until the circuit court meets again on October 21.
A Troubling Past
It’s worth noting that Bush has a history with the law, showing four prior convictions dating back to 2017, including charges related to domestic violence and fleeing from the police. As of the latest updates, he remains in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center.
A Community in Shock
Residents in Bluffton are no doubt feeling the weight of this incident, as it serves as a reminder of how quickly things can escalate, even during something as casual as a card game. As the community reflects on this incident, they are reminded of the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully.
As the investigation continues and the legal proceedings unfold, many eyes in Bluffton are watching closely, hoping for justice and healing in the aftermath of such a jarring event.
