Columbia police arrest four in armed robbery investigation

Columbia police have charged four people in an armed robbery investigation stemming from an incident that occurred the day after Christmas, officials said.

Police Chief Skip Holbrook said Deonte Benjamin, 18, has been charged with armed robbery, unlawful carrying of a pistol, criminal conspiracy and possession of a stolen pistol in connection with the investigation.

Holbrook said Mary McMarva, 32, and Erika Dickerson, 22, have been charged with accessory after the fact of a felony and criminal conspiracy in connection with the case. A 15-year-old male was also charged with possession a firearm by person under the age of 18, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and unlawful carrying of a pistol, as well.

Holbrook said the charges stem from a incident that occurred on Dec. 26 at a location in the 5400 block of Forest Drive. Investigators say that a male victim was robbed of his wallet and cell phone at gunpoint while he was getting into his car. Holbrook said the victim was not physically harmed during the robbery.

After learning the identity of the suspect, Holbrook said Lexington County deputies and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division agents served a lawful arrest warrant at Benjamin’s Lexington home on Dec. 29, but no one was there. After learning of the attempted arrest, Holbrook said a relative brought Benjamin to Columbia police headquarters and turned him over.

Investigators were able to locate the 15-year-old suspect, McMarva and Dickerson at a Super 8 hotel located in the 5300 block of Forest Drive where they were taken into custody.