Orangeburg County, South Carolina – A routine noise complaint escalated into a significant drug and weapons bust, ending with two men in custody after deputies uncovered nearly 10 ounces of marijuana and multiple firearms, according to Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell.
Deputies responded to a loud-noise report at an apartment on Baugh Street around 7 p.m. Monday. What began as a standard call quickly shifted when officers spotted weapons and suspected marijuana inside a vehicle linked to the residence.
What Deputies Found When They Arrived
Sheriff Ravenell said deputies had no reason to expect anything more than a disturbance call. But once they approached the area, they immediately saw several guns and suspected marijuana inside a vehicle parked outside the apartment.
“We didn’t go out there with illegal narcotics in mind,” Sheriff Ravenell said. “We went to this location because someone complained about noise.”
One suspect surrendered without any issue. The second attempted to escape by climbing through a hole in the apartment ceiling before running into the backyard. Sheriff Ravenell described it as “probably one of the briefest foot chases on record.”
Charges Filed Against the Two Suspects
Authorities identified the suspects as 24-year-old Tyshon Jefferson and 25-year-old Tamir Shivers.
Jefferson faces a long list of charges, including:
- Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession with intent to distribute near a school
- Three counts of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon
Shivers is charged with:
- Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession with intent to distribute near a school
Deputies transported both men to the Orangeburg County Detention Center.
Drugs and Weapons Recovered
A search of both the vehicle and the connected apartment uncovered a sizable amount of illegal items. According to investigators, deputies seized:
- More than 280 grams of marijuana (nearly 10 ounces)
- Three firearms
- Multiple high-capacity magazines
Officials say the discovery shows how quickly a routine service call can escalate into a major criminal investigation.
Sheriff Comments on Community Safety
Sheriff Ravenell emphasized that community-driven reports—such as noise complaints—often lead to bigger discoveries that improve neighborhood safety.
He noted that deputies will continue responding aggressively to quality-of-life complaints because they often uncover deeper issues, including drugs, illegal guns, or wanted suspects.
Why This Incident Matters for Residents
Drug-related activity combined with illegal firearms increases the risk of violence in residential areas. Sheriff Ravenell urged residents to keep reporting suspicious activity or ongoing disturbances, as citizen tips often drive significant law-enforcement actions.
He added that proactive policing depends on community members speaking up whenever something feels off.
Case Status
Both Jefferson and Shivers remain in custody as the investigation continues. Additional charges are possible depending on lab results and further evidence recovered during the search.
Residents of Baugh Street expressed relief that officers intervened before the situation escalated further. Deputies say the quick response to a simple noise complaint likely prevented more serious criminal activity in the neighborhood.
If you live in Orangeburg County and have noticed similar issues in your area, local officials encourage you to report concerns to the sheriff’s office. Your information could help prevent dangerous activity from taking hold.
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