Cayce, SC (Paul Kirby) – The Cayce Department of Public Safety is asking for the public’s help locating two suspects. They were involved in stealing items from cars in The Retreat of Columbia, a student living complex in Cayce.
According to SFC Evan Antley, their department responded to reports of two subjects unlawfully entering vehicles at The Retreat community on Friday, December 13, 2019. This is located at 1929 Bluff Rd. The subjects were reported to be entering multiple vehicles, removing items, and placing them into a large green van.
An officer who was in the area located an older green Ford Econoline van as it was attempting to leave the property. The vehicle crossed Bluff Rd. into the Arthurtown neighborhood of Columbia. Its driver made multiple turns to elude the officer who was attempting to catch up. Eventually, the officer located the vehicle abandoned on Dumont St. approximately a quarter mile from the rear exit of The Retreat.
Officers from the Cayce Department of Public Safety, with the help of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, searched for the two subjects. The search was unsuccessful. The van was seized, transported to the Public Safety Complex, and is being held by Cayce DPS for processing. A shotgun that was reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle at The Retreat was recovered in the van. Clothing, small electronics, and other items were also recovered in the abandoned vehicle.
One of the subjects was described as a white male wearing black clothing. The other subject is unknown. Photos of the subject vehicle used during this crime are attached.
SFC. Evan Antley said in a release to the public, “We are asking for assistance from the public to identify the individuals that were involved. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Cayce Department of Public Safety at (803) 794-0456 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-888-CRIME-SC.”
Antley also said, “We always encourage citizens to secure their vehicles, especially during the hours of darkness. Removing electronics, firearms, and other items of value is also great way to prevent becoming a victim of this opportunistic crime.”
