Teen Burglars on the Loose: Richland County Gym Burglaries Spark Arrests

Community discussing safety measures outside a gym

News Summary

Richland County, S.C. witnesses alarming gym burglaries leading to swift arrests of several teenagers. Authorities seek public assistance in solving these incidents. The investigation reveals a series of thefts at local gyms, including OneLife Gym and R1 CrossFit Gym, where multiple suspects were apprehended amid ongoing concerns about youth crime in the area.

Teen Burglars on the Loose: Richland County Gym Burglaries Spark Arrests

Richland County, S.C. has been rocked by a string of alarming burglaries at local gyms, and just as quickly as the incidents have sparked worry, authorities have made arrests. It seems some young people in the area have taken a wrong turn, leading to a flurry of criminal activity and a swift response from law enforcement.

Burglaries at OneLife Gym Raise Eyebrows

Deputies are currently on the lookout for a suspect linked to the theft of two wallets from lockers at OneLife Gym on Forum Drive. The incident occurred on the morning of February 21 when the suspect reportedly pilfered the wallets and used the stolen cards for purchases at nearby stores. Witnesses even spotted the individual leaving one such store in a vehicle, leaving authorities to think a similar crime was committed later that same day in Irmo. Anyone who might know something about this situation is encouraged to get in touch with the Richland County Sheriff’s Office at 803-576-3000 or drop an anonymous note to CrimeStoppers.

Teens Caught Red-Handed at R1 CrossFit Gym

On Sunday, the plot thickened when five teenagers were arrested in connection with a brazen burglary at the R1 CrossFit Gym on Forest Drive. Responding to a burglary alarm shortly before 2 a.m., deputies found the suspects taking a leisurely stroll down North Beltline Boulevard, seemingly unaware of the gravity of their actions. Upon questioning, they confessed to breaking a window in order to get into the gym.

A 17-year-old girl and two 16-year-old boys now face serious charges of burglary in the second degree and malicious injury to personal property.
Two 18-year-olds, identified as Bryson Rhoads and Abigail Davis, were also taken into custody on the same charges. Additionally, they are facing charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

This incident adds to a troubling history at this gym. Since December, a total of 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with various burglaries at the same location, with attempted break-ins on December 1, December 23, and December 28. Richland County authorities are feeling a mix of disappointment and determination as they confront these ongoing issues.

More Trouble at Richland Mall Gym

Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, another set of burglaries occurred at the Richland Mall sheriff’s department gym where four more teenagers were apprehended. On December 23, two 17-year-olds, Hannah Harder and Alexander Clement, were found inside the gym on roller skates, a sight that certainly raises eyebrows. Deputies quickly charged them with burglary after discovering an array of burglary tools in their possession.

Then, in a further twist of fate, two other 17-year-olds, Timothy Walden and Kyle Livingston, were discovered during a property check as another burglary alarm went off. They surrendered peacefully after officers deployed a K9 unit, also resulting in burglary charges.

All four teens were processed as adults and taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. Interestingly, this incident follows another alarming arrest of four individuals, including a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old girl, in November for a separate burglary attempt at Richland Mall, equipped with their own set of burglary tools.

What’s Next?

These developments have surely raised the stakes in Richland County as local law enforcement faces a growing concern over teenage crime. The idea of young individuals making such poor choices is disheartening for the community, but leaders are stepping up to make sure they are held accountable for their actions. The message is clear: theft and vandalism will not be taken lightly.

As these stories continue to unfold, the residents of Richland County will undoubtedly be keeping an eye out for any further developments. Whether it’s keeping their lockers secure at the gym or just watching out for one another, it seems the community is taking action to prevent any further incidents.