Chapin traffic stop leads to arrest in more than 20 car break-ins

Deputies are searching for a car break-in suspect in the Chapin area.

The search began around 6:30 a.m. Thursday when a deputy tried to stop a vehicle involved in a rash of car break-ins in the Portrait Hill Drive area of Chapin, according to Deputy Katelyn Jasak. The suspects ran away on foot.

Deputies apprehended one man, 21-year-old Junior Jacinthe, according to Capt. Maria Yturria. He is charged in connection with more than 20 car break-ins that Richland County deputies responded to in the 24 hours before the chase, Yturria said.

A helicopter and K-9s are being used in the search for the suspects. The sheriff’s department said around noon that deputies are no longer searching the area. The second suspect, who has not been identified, is still on the run.

Jacinthe faces charges in Richland County but also might be charged with crimes in Lexington, Chapin and Irmo, Yturria said.

There is no danger to the community, Jasak said.

This story was originally published August 2, 2018 at 11:24 AM.