In Richland County, South Carolina, a troubling incident has led to the arrest of a 13-year-old, who now faces multiple charges. These include third-degree burglary, causing malicious injury to real property exceeding $2,000, and violating a hate crime ordinance. The events unfolded on Thursday, May 14.
The charges are linked to a break-in at an unoccupied house located on the 1000 block of Coatesdale Road in Columbia. This incident involved severe vandalism, with racial slurs and antisemitic symbols defacing the property.
Richland County Sheriff’s Department deputies were alerted to the situation around 5 p.m. They responded swiftly after a witness, tasked with checking on the property for its owner, discovered an unsettling scene. The witness noticed bicycles parked outside and saw two young teenagers hastily leaving the residence.
Upon entering the home, investigators uncovered extensive damage. They found large holes punctured into the walls, a rear door forcibly kicked in, and numerous windows shattered. Disturbingly, the interior was marred with spray-painted offensive messages, including racial slurs and symbols of antisemitism.
Inside the residence, investigators found widespread damage, including large holes in the walls, a kicked-in rear door and several broken windows. Offensive messages, racial slurs and symbols of antisemitism were spray-painted throughout the property.
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(Richland County Sheriff’s Department) -
(Richland County Sheriff’s Department) -
(Richland County Sheriff’s Department)
Deputies said the property damage was valued at approximately $7,000.
After speaking with additional witnesses, deputies located one juvenile suspect at a nearby residence. During the execution of a search warrant at the juvenile’s home, clothing matching the description provided by the original witness and paint cans were found.
The 13-year-old was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice without incident.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the incident to identify the second suspect.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at (803) 576-3000.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1 (888) CRIME-SC.