Investigators with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) Property Crimes Unit (PCU) have arrested a 15-year-old male in connection with a string of auto break-in cases at various hotels. Additional arrests of co-defendants are pending.
The teen, who is from Charlotte, North Carolina, is charged with Nine Counts of Auto Breaking, Nine Counts of Criminal Conspiracy, Eight Counts of Grand Larceny/Larceny, and Four Counts of Possession of a Stolen Handgun.
CPD investigators believe the teen could be responsible for 150 auto break-ins across multiple jurisdictions in a multi-state crime spree. Law enforcement from other jurisdictions, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) are investigating similar incidents with the same suspect. CPD investigators are working with CMPD on extraditing the suspect to face charges in Columbia.
Case Recap:
Multiple vehicles were broken into from May 28, 2025 – June 1, 2025 in Southeast Columbia near Garners Ferry Road and Interstate 77, the Harbison area, and North Columbia in the Candi Lane/River Drive areas.
The teen suspect is accused of breaking into vehicles at hotels and stealing valuable items including, jewelry, debit cards, firearms, and sunglasses. CPD investigators continue to determine the identities of the teen’s co-conspirators.
Auto break-ins are considered ‘crimes of opportunity,’ with criminals checking to determine if vehicle doors are unlocked or if personal items are noticeable.
Here are safety tips to help properly secure your vehicle and personal items, including firearms:
- Lock doors and windows
- Remove or hide valuables
- Remove vehicle keys
- Don’t leave spare key inside vehicle
- Invest in security alarm
- Properly secure firearm in locked box or case with gunlock on the firearm
- Never leave a firearm in plain view inside a vehicle
- Report gun theft to police
Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook encourages citizens with home surveillance video to aid the cases, should upload video through this link:
https://columbiapdsc.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/250012248
Citizens with information about the crimes can also contact Crimestoppers in any of the following ways:
CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC.
LOG onto www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab.
DOWNLOAD the new P3 Tips App for Apple or Android devices.
###