Forest Acres hit by vehicle break-ins as police search for suspect, 2 stolen guns
A dozen vehicles have been broken into, and two guns have been stolen during a rash of break-ins that police believe began Jan. 21.
Police believe the break-ins will continue until a suspect is apprehended, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott told members of the Forest Acres Neighborhood Association Tuesday night. Lott added that multiple vehicles have had windows broken.
The break-ins have largely taken place overnight, with Lott showing the neighborhood association multiple security camera recordings police believe show the suspect peering into vehicle windows using a flashlight during early morning hours prior to 5 a.m.
Lott said this is the Sheriff Department’s top priority property crime at the moment.
The break-ins have been concentrated in the northern portion of the Forest Acres area, including homes in Forest Acres’ jurisdiction and homes in the Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction. Multiple break-ins have taken place on Arcadia and Meadowood roads, and Sylvan Drive.
Beyond the stolen guns, the suspect police are looking for is also believed to have stolen a silver Trek bicycle, a wallet and an army rucksack that was found down the street from where it was taken, police said at the Tuesday night meeting. Police are looking for a male wearing a camouflage jacket and red Air Jordan tennis shoes. Lott said he also believes the suspect to be homeless, as it appears he is using the stolen bike to travel around the northern Forest Acres area.
Lott told residents to report any sightings of a man riding a bike during odd hours, like early morning or late at night.
Lott and Forest Acres Police Chief Don Robinson also urged residents who have guns stored in their vehicles to remove them, and noted that the suspect appears to gravitate toward large pick-up trucks.
