West Columbia, SC 12/19/2024 (Paul Kirby) – On Tuesday. December 17, 2024, officers with the West Columbia Police Department (WCPD) responded to reports of several car break-ins and the theft of a vehicle on McSwain Drive and in the surrounding areas. After they began to collect evidence, interview victims and possible witnesses, they quickly established that they had a possible juvenile perpetrator who was a 17-year-old boy. With good police work and the help of some citizens tips, they were able to locate the young man and place him under arrest.
The teen, who has not been identified because of his age, now faces charges including breaking into motor vehicles, possession of a stolen vehicle, firearms violations, meth possession, and resisting arrest.
On December 17, 2024, WCPD officers arrested an additional subject that was involved in an auto tampering case. He has been identified as 62-year-old William Hook. According to police, they responded to Burlie Drive on the night of December 17, 2024. Callers said an individual was pulling on car door handles to check if they were open. Officers were able to take Hook into custody and charge him with auto tampering.
On their social media pages, the leadership of the WCPD said these arrests were as a result of citizen’s vigilance. They ask that all who live, work, or play in West Columbia continue following the line, If You See Something - Say Something.
PHOTO: 62-year-old William Hook
