RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — A store owner has been arrested and charged with murder after fatally shooting a 14-year-old he thought was stealing from his store, according to deputies.

Rick Chow, 58, owner of a Shell Gas Station shot and killed Cyrus Carmack-Belton Sunday, the Richland County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies said the incident began inside the gas station after Chow thought Carmack-Belton was stealing from his store. Investigators found that to be false.

The owners of the convenience store suspected him of shoplifting. He did not shoplift anything", said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. "We have no evidence he stole anything whatsoever.

Deputies said a verbal confrontation began between Carmack-Belton and Chow in the store. Then, the boy ran from the scene and Chow chased after him before shooting him in the back.

“This was not an accidental shooting by any means. This was a very intentional shooting", Richland County Coroner, Naida Rutherford said. "Unfortunately, Cyrus Carmack-Belton lost his life.”

Protests began outside the gas station early Monday afternoon as members of the community were shocked and upset with what happened.

A 14-year-old has lost their life. It grieves our hearts", Valisa Palmer said. "I did not think something like this could happen in our community.

“This is senseless. You got a human life gone for a bottle of water", Tameeka Allen said. "You got two things in life, judicial justice and street justice, and we’re here to get it done the right way.”

Deputies also said a gun was found near Carmack-Belton’s body but there was no indication that it was his, or that it was used in any threatening way.

The convenience store was vandalized Monday night and deputies said a crowd of people dispersed from the gas station after protests became destructive.

They arrived moments later to shattered windows and a large crowd of people in the store stealing merchandise, deputies said.

"This type of criminal behavior will not be tolerated," Sheriff Leon Lott said. "Individuals involved will be identified and prosecuted."

Chow is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

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