Richland County Sheriff’s Department lead agency in drill By W. Thomas Smith Jr. A multi-agency drill led by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RSCD) and simulating an active shooter scenario with mass casualties was conducted on the campus of Columbia International University, Tuesday, Dec. 14. Utilizing the nationally standardized IncidentContinue Reading

Deputies arrested two 18-year-olds shortly after a shooting that began with an armed robbery in a Lexington County subdivision last weekend. Stephen Reese Clifton and Tekhi Augustus Jones are charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of attempted robbery, conspiracy and discharging a firearmContinue Reading

The FBI Columbia field office and the Columbia Violent Gang Task Force has announced the indictment of nine individuals for drug trafficking charges in South Carolina. Following the indictments seven defendants were arrested, and the remaining two defendants surrendered to authorities. One defendant is currently incarcerated for a separate ongoingContinue Reading

Many family gatherings and shopping trips are back on this year, which means criminals are back in action to steal gifts and money. “This time of year always brings concerns for safety and security,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “Distractions lingering from the pandemic and the holiday season couldContinue Reading

A West Columbia man is accused of shooting a man to death last month. Mark Anthony Festus Scheibler, 46, will be charged with murder, arson and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to arrest warrants. “Based on evidence investigators collected and interviews detectives conducted with witnesses, ScheiblerContinue Reading

Two girls have been charged after some cash was stolen and a knife was displayed Thursday at Gilbert Middle School. One of the girls refused to hand over a $20 bill that belonged to the other girl, according to deputies. The second student showed a knife and demanded the moneyContinue Reading

More than a dozen emergency vehicles responded to a fire alarm at the Friarsgate Centre located at 107 N. Royal Tower Rd. in Irmo. Smoke was seen coming from different areas on the roof and firefighters worked to determine its source. According to IFD officials, an electrical fire started inContinue Reading