Hampton County law enforcement cracks down on real life grinches

HAMPTON Co. S.C. (WTOC) — A teenage cashier faced a gunman’s threat during an armed robbery the weekend of Thanksgiving, marking the latest incident in a crime surge hitting Hampton County this holiday season.

The gas station robbery occurred at 7:30 p.m. on a Sunday night, just days after Thanksgiving. The thief made off with $3,000 in cash and another $2,700 in store products. The teenage employee was unharmed but shaken by the incident.

“For it to happen here is kind of shocking to us,” the store manager said.

Multiple businesses targeted

Just weeks before the gas station robbery, thieves targeted a Piggly Wiggly store on the other side of Hampton County. The suspects used a crowbar to try breaking in through the sliding door, leaving visible marks on the entrance.

“There was multiple in this one,” said Lt. Bradford Drawdy of Hampton Police Department.

The manager said the thieves made off with some candy but were more focused on drugs from the pharmacy.

“You worry. I mean, you walk in a store and you worry. I mean, especially if you’re there with your family,” Drawdy said.

Digital evidence crucial to investigations

Law enforcement officials said surveillance cameras have become essential to their investigations. Both incidents were captured on security cameras, providing crucial evidence for investigators.

“You almost can’t do it without cameras anymore. Because they are so readily available, everybody counts on them now,” Drawdy said.

The digital evidence led to an arrest in the gas station armed robbery. Law enforcement charged 30-year-old Aaron Bush with armed robbery and kidnapping, saying he committed a string of similar crimes.

“They’re not going to sit out here and just go around and commit robberies in this county and think that they can do it. And no one is going to, first of all, identify them. And second of all, they think they’re not going to go to jail, but they will. They’re going to get caught,” said Sheriff Anthony Russell of Hampton County.

Increased patrols and community engagement

The Hampton County Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols as part of their response strategy. Sgt. Ervin Ford said the increased community presence helps build relationships with residents.

“Bridging the gap between the officers and the community. Something Sheriff harped on. Something that a lot of us as deputies, we want to do,” Ford said.

Ford said he hopes the extra patrols will build trust with locals and lead to tips when needed.

Cold Case Investigator Joshua Dowling said community cooperation is essential to solving cases.

“We have success when we build up those relationships and people are willing to talk and engage with us and give us details that are imperative to closing cases,” Dowling said.

Ongoing investigations

Police have not caught the pharmacy burglars from the Piggly Wiggly incident. Hampton Police said there are multiple suspects and the investigation is ongoing. They are offering a $500 reward for information leading to arrests.

“We don’t need these little thugs running through this community thinking they can go to the convenience store, pick the wiggly pharmacy, and take people medicine. You’re going to get caught,” Russell said.

Sheriff Russell said his office is hiring an intelligence analyst to further their investigative abilities. Hampton Police said they are installing more cameras around town to better track suspect movements.

Anyone with information about the Piggly Wiggly burglary is asked to contact Hampton Police Department.