Reynerio Rafael Romero, Jr., a 27-year-old validated gang member living in Pelion, pled guilty to Trafficking Cocaine Second Offense and was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge George M. McFaddin, Jr., yesterday to fifteen (15) years in prison. Under South Carolina Law, Trafficking Cocaine Second Offense is classified as a serious,Continue Reading
Multi-agency collaboration aids in thwarting violent criminal activity in central S.C. By W. Thomas Smith Jr. For the past several years, the multi-agency Midlands Gang Task Force (MGTF) in central South Carolina has been aggressively and successfully disrupting and dismantling illegal gangs operating throughout the capital city of Columbia andContinue Reading
Lexington County deputies have arrested a man accused of shooting his wife to death at their Gaston home Saturday. The victim has been identified as Kia Riley, according to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher. Alonzo James Riley, 33, is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violentContinue Reading
Chief Terrence Green would like to update the community that the investigation at a daycare facility within the Town of Lexington, where children were found to have been assaulted by a caregiver, has continued and additional charges have been made. On the morning of July 12, 2021, an investigation beganContinue Reading
A Columbia man is being held in the Lexington County Detention Center after his arrest Tuesday in connection to a gas station shooting last week. Ruben Christopher Garrick Jr., 28, is charged with two counts of attempted murder, pointing and presenting a firearm, and gun possession crimes, according to arrestContinue Reading
Koon’s Watch Summer weather means more people out and about; more time to enjoy outdoor activities like walking. Whether it’s walking down a city block, a country road or a suburban sidewalk, everyone is a pedestrian at some point during the day. And like drivers, pedestrians have a responsibility toContinue Reading
By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Runners participating in GUARDIANS OF THE NIGHT 2021, a 5K road race in support of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s (RCSD) K9 teams (dogs and handlers), turned out in record numbers, Sat. evening, July 31. Approximately 550 runners of all skill levels and walkers, manyContinue Reading
Koon’s Watch Every day on roads across Lexington County, law enforcement officers and other first responders put their lives at risk in order to help save lives and keep people safe. Traffic-related incidents are the leading cause of death for on-duty law enforcement officers. We work in dangerous situations allContinue Reading
Lexington County deputies are searching for a suspect in a shooting that left a 19-year-old man dead. The shooting happened Saturday afternoon in the 100 block of Miranda Drive. “Based on information from witnesses, the shooter left the scene in a black Nissan Maxima, which we have located,” Lexington CountyContinue Reading
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Explorer program is accepting applications for the 2021-2022 year. Participants ages 14-20 will get a behind-the-scenes look into a career in law enforcement. Students meet every Tuesday evening during the months of September through June. Exploring is part of the Boy Scouts of America programmingContinue Reading
Koon’s Watch You spend your hard-earned money on vehicles — vehicles you use to transport your family to sporting events, drive yourself to work, take your kids to school and so much more. Unfortunately, in 2019 alone, nearly three-quarters of a million vehicles were stolen in the United States, costingContinue Reading