Crime & Safety stories in Columbia, SC

A mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana resulted in one death and five injuries, prompting a closure of the mall. Five suspects are in custody as police investigate the targeted attack that began after an argument in the food court.

Mauricio Jimenez, a former Home Depot manager, has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a fraud scheme that cost the company over $4 million. The scheme involved excessive markdowns on large orders at multiple Miami-area stores between December 2023 and April 2026.

Jonathan and Jolene Harms were found guilty of multiple felonies related to a threatening 'kill list' manifesto targeting various individuals. The couple faces significant prison time after a jury deliberated for just over five hours.

The latest mugshots from the Midlands region have been released, showcasing individuals recently arrested. This ongoing documentation highlights local crime trends and law enforcement activities.

Richland County deputies are investigating a homicide following a shooting on Longcreek Drive that left a man dead. Meanwhile, Fairfield County deputies are searching for Crystal Hinson, who was reported missing by her family.

An argument between two groups escalated into a mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana, resulting in one death and five injuries. Authorities have taken five suspects into custody as investigations continue.

A U.S. soldier, Gannon Ken Van Dyke, has been charged with using classified information to win $400,000 in an online betting market on Venezuelan President Maduro's capture. He faces multiple charges, including fraud and unlawful use of government information.

A hit-and-run incident in Saluda County resulted in the death of 61-year-old Mark Wharton. He was struck by an unknown vehicle after hitting a deer on Columbia Highway.

Curtis Harvin, 36, was arrested by Columbia Police for a shooting incident on April 1. During his arrest, authorities recovered a firearm and various illegal narcotics.

Authorities have cleared two individuals previously considered persons of interest in the theft of 15 baby chicks from Lakeside Middle School. The two had voluntarily spoken with detectives, leading to their exoneration.

Lacey Nicole Cushman, 37, faces multiple charges including attempted murder after allegedly shooting at Springfield Police Chief Adam Evans during a pursuit. The incident began in Orangeburg County and ended in Barnwell County, leading to a statewide alert and her subsequent arrest.

An illegal immigrant has been charged in a DUI crash that resulted in the deaths of two young boys in South Carolina. The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that an ICE detainer has been placed on the suspect.

Richland County deputies are investigating a homicide on Longcreek Drive where a man was found shot and killed. Additionally, authorities are searching for 63-year-old Joseph Boykin Jr., wanted for multiple violent crimes including assault and kidnapping.

A midday shooting off Broad River Road in Richland County resulted in one man's death. Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred around 12:30 p.m.

Mark W. Wharton, a 61-year-old motorcyclist from Aiken County, was killed in a hit-and-run incident after hitting a deer on Columbia Highway. The driver of the vehicle that struck him fled the scene, and authorities are investigating.

Lexington Police are investigating the theft of 15 baby chickens from Lakeside Middle School and are seeking public assistance in identifying two suspects captured on security footage. The theft occurred over the weekend, with one suspect seen leaving the scene with a bag.

A South Carolina group has initiated a lawsuit against Dave & Buster's, alleging that the entertainment venue is engaging in illegal gambling activities. The case raises questions about the legality of gaming operations in the state.

This is absolutely insane… https://abcnews4.com/news/local/hanahan-mayor-pro-tem-kevin-hedgpeth-charged-in-child-sexual-abuse-material-case-crime

[Link: https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/south-carolina/driver-charged-in-dui-crash-that-killed-2-sc-children-on-bicycles/]

[Link: https://www.usmagazine.com/crime-news/news/ex-sc-teacher-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-minors-has-hiv/?utm_medium=lBQMjkx&utm_source=liqsoc]

[Link: https://c.org/VkRzFgDQG8]

Columbia Police have arrested 36-year-old Curtis Harvin in connection with a shooting on Farrow Road earlier this month. The arrest followed an investigation that included surveillance footage and led to the recovery of illegal narcotics.

Christopher Gillum, a man from Chapel Hill, NC, was arrested in Florida while allegedly planning a mass shooting at a New Orleans festival. He was found with a handgun and 200 rounds of ammunition, and is now facing charges of terroristic threats.

Orangeburg Deputies have arrested 19-year-old Qzah Brown in connection with a shooting at a convenience store earlier this month. Meanwhile, Richland Deputies are on the lookout for 63-year-old Joseph Boykin Jr., who is wanted for multiple crimes and is considered armed and dangerous.

The Richland County Sheriff's Office is actively seeking 63-year-old Joseph Boykin Jr. in connection with an assault, kidnapping, and larceny case. Authorities warn that he is known to be violent and armed, urging the public not to approach him.

The latest mugshots from the Midlands region have been released, showcasing individuals recently arrested. This update provides insight into local crime trends.

A federal judge has awarded $150 million to families of victims from the Charleston Church Massacre, citing the influence of Russian propaganda in radicalizing the shooter. The lawsuits claim that social media platforms played a role in promoting extremist content that led to the tragedy.

Qzah Brown, the last suspect in an April 8 gas station shooting in Orangeburg, has been arrested after two weeks on the run. He faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and aggravated breach of peace.

A 7-year-old girl is in critical condition after ingesting fentanyl and methamphetamine from a slushie believed to be contaminated by her mother's drug use. The mother, Jaslyn Raquelle Crawford, faces felony charges for child endangerment.

The remains of three children, aged 3 to 7, were discovered in a wooded area of Memphis, likely having been there for several years. Investigators are working to identify the victims and determine the circumstances of their deaths.