By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. (RCSD) Deputy Sarah Merriman was presented the American Legion (S.C. Dept.) Award for Bravery during ceremonies at the Columbia Marriot, Fri., May 28. The award reads: “For outstanding courage and bravery above and beyond the call of duty.” Merriman was similarlyContinue Reading
Koon’s Watch You’ve read it before in this space: Seat belts save lives. But let me give that statement some weight: Between 2015 and 2019, seat belts saved more than 69,000 lives. That means 69,000 seat belts prevented families from grieving the loss of their loved ones for decades toContinue Reading
By W. Thomas Smith, Jr. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott was honored by the South Carolina Military Support Foundation (SCMSF), Thurs., May 20, for being named the National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) Sheriff of the Year for 2021. The recognition, a plaque commending Lott, was presented by Col. (Ret.) Steve Vitali,Continue Reading
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is issuing guidance to the public regarding the Open Carry with Training Act that was signed into law May 17 to ensure those who own handguns remain in compliance with the law. “It’s critical for gun owners to understand the new law beforeContinue Reading
Koon’s Watch May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and with warmer weather starting, you’ll likely see more motorcyclist on the roadways. I am writing to you this week to remind you how to share the road safely. In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 5,014 motorcyclists were killed.Continue Reading
The West Columbia Police Officers Foundation is holding its annual 5K Foot Pursuit this Saturday, May 15, at 8 am. Participants will meet at West Columbia City Hall and run/walk through the city’s streets. Drivers should use caution around Meeting Street from 12th Street to 9th Street as participants makeContinue Reading
Koon’s Watch As the temps ramp up for the heart of spring and into the summer here in Lexington County, I want to take a moment to remind you of some heatstroke prevention steps to protect your children and other little ones in your life. National Heatstroke Prevention Day wasContinue Reading
School Resource Officer Andrew Chaves has been named the County of Lexington’s employee of the year. “SRO Chaves won this award because of his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “He’s one of the best representatives the Sheriff’s Department couldContinue Reading
South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) agents have arrested a Columbia man and charged him with two counts of obtaining property under false pretenses, two counts of delivery of false documents, and two counts of tax evasion. Steve Sanders Bouknight Jr., 49, of Columbia, filed South Carolina Individual Income TaxContinue Reading
Koon’s Watch National Police week is next week across the country. This special week includes May 15, which is known as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as NationalContinue Reading
Children now safe – Deputies arrest suspect as he flees on foot By W. Thomas Smith Jr. A rifle-armed recruit from Fort Jackson hijacked a school bus with 18 children aboard, Thurs. morning, May 6. The suspect, who has since been arrested (but whose name has yet to be released),Continue Reading