On Saturday, Feb. 18, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a weapons offense at The Rebel Tavern on River Road in Washington, according to a statement released Feb. 21.

Deputies arrived at the tavern at 1:45 a.m. and interviewed witnesses, learning that a white male, no longer at the scene, had discharged several rounds from a .40 caliber handgun both inside and outside the building, damaging several items within the business.

Approximately one hour later, sheriff’s office deputies and Washington Police officers were alerted to the location of the suspect by a patron who had left The Rebel and spotted the subject on Avon Avenue near John Small Avenue.

They detained the suspect, finding a loaded .40 caliber handgun and marijuana in the woods where he had been walking.

William Derrick Coltrain, 29, a resident of Blackjack Simpson Road in Grimesland, was charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling, carrying a weapon into an establishment where alcohol is consumed/sold, simple possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“The subject was under the influence of alcohol when he was arrested,” said Major Kenneth Watson of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. When questioned as to why Coltrain opened fire in the bar, Watson responded, “There is no information to release on his motive.”

Coltrain was held at the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $2,500 secured bond, and an additional $1,000 secured bond for an outstanding failure to appear in court.