An Orangeburg man charged in connection with a shootout with police officers last week went before a county magistrate for bond on Tuesday, apparently finding it difficult to listen.

“(Do) you want to pay attention?” Orangeburg County Deputy Chief Magistrate Cecil Moore asked the man. “I’ve got a lot to tell you. This will be over in a few minutes, and you can do what you want.”

Jerome Benjamin Walker, 25, who had previously been looking around the courtroom, turned back to the magistrate who set bond on the Broad Street man at $165,000 surety.

Walker is charged with assault with intent to kill and failure to stop for a blue light in last week’s shootout with two Orangeburg Department of Public Safety officers.

After the initial distraction, Moore informed Walker of his rights, including the right to a preliminary hearing, the right to a trial and the right to subpoena witnesses.

“Do you understand all that? I said a mouthful,” Moore said.

The judge then added, “You have to answer, Mr. Walker. You can’t nod your head.”

Walker turned himself in to police on Monday after he learned warrants had been issued for his arrest, ODPS Capt. Mike Adams said.

At around 2 a.m. on Aug. 31, ODPS officers attempted to stop a speeding vehicle near the junction of Magnolia and Whaley streets, according to a warrant affidavit. After a brief chase, the vehicle yielded behind the UPS facility on Mill Street about a mile away.

Adams asked Moore for a substantial surety bond, saying, “We feel this individual really would be a danger to the community.”

Police say the driver of the vehicle got out and exchanged gunshots with at least one of the two police officers.

When Adams finished, Walker stated, “I didn’t shoot at your officers.”

Walker then turned and grinned as Adams walked away.

At one point, Walker made a face at media cameras and then made an obscene gesture with one hand.

According to SLED documents, Walker has made several appearances in court since 2001. On a disorderly conduct charge, he was found not guilty and a 2002 weapons charge against him was dropped.

However, in 2005 Walker pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary and unlawful carrying of a pistol. He was sentenced under the Youthful Offender’s Act not to exceed six years on the burglary charge and not more than one year on the weapons violation.

The criminal history sheet indicates Walker is not allowed to be in possession of a firearm because of a felony conviction.

Adams said authorities involved in the continuing investigation have not yet recovered a weapon.

Meantime, ODPS Officer Luis Cueto remains on administrative leave pending an investigation being conducted by SLED. Cueto was identified as the officer who returned fire during the brief gun battle.

PSO William Griffith is not believed to have fired a shot. Neither Cueto nor Williams were reported to be injured in the shooting.

Last week‘s shooting marked the second time this year city officers have been involved in shootouts. The Aug. 31 gun battle was also the fifth involving law enforcement officers in Orangeburg County this year.

T&D Staff Writer Richard Walker can be reached by e-mail at rwalker@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5516.

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