Cayce Public Safety News and Events for 2009-2010

 

News Release 05/18/2010

William Craig Caughman

1149 Gunter Circle

West Columbia, SC 29169  

Cayce SC, 05/18/2010 0830a.m.

The Cayce Department of Public Safety has arrested William Craig Caughman for charges pending from a hit and run accident on 2-21-2010 that resulted in the death of Fredric Tobias (Toby) Morriss. Caughman has been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident involving Death and Obstruction of Justice.  

The Cayce Department of Public Safety, Crimestoppers, SLED and The SCDPS M.A.I.T. worked diligently together during the intensive investigation to identify and arrest the suspect after new information surfaced via a Crimestoppers tip.

Officers found William Craig Caughman’s vehicle, a green 2000 Ford Ranger pickup, concealed behind a shed belonging to his father Robert Wayne Caughman who lives in an adjacent residence at 1147 Gunter Circle. The passenger doors of the vehicle had been hastily removed prior to hiding it behind the shed. The investigation is still ongoing and there is the possibility of future arrests for individuals that assisted William Craig Caughman after the incident occurred.

With this arrest the family of Toby Morriss will have the opportunity to move toward closure for his untimely death due to the accident.  

If you have any information that may further the investigation of this incident, you are urged to contact the Cayce Department of Public Safety at 803-794-0456.

 

Toby Morriss

September 17, 1973 – February 28, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Burglary Suspect Arrested

 

 

 

Rodney Jerome Furtick

On 5-21-2010 Cayce Police Officers responded to an alarm at the One Love II store at 1205 Frink St. Upon their arrival officers gave chase to Rodney J. Furtick as he fled from a rear door of the establishment.

Officers also recovered all of the items that Mr. Furtick was in the process of stealing from the business and returned them to the owner.

Mr. Furtick was charged with Burglary 3rd and failure to obey a Public Safety Officer. Other person(s) have been implicated in the crime.

If you have information involving this crime or any other crimes in the City of Cayce call 803-794-0456, your identity can remain anonymous.

Lt. J.S. Simmons
Investigative Supervisor/P.I.O.
Cayce Department of Public Safety
803-794-0456    Cell 803-665-8274

 

 

 

News Release

 

Cayce, SC 03/25/2010 2:00 p.m.

The Cayce Department of Public Safety is seeking information in reference to a hit and run that occurred on 2-21-2010 at approximately 10:05 p.m. The suspect was driving a red Ford Ranger pickup “Splash” edition similar to the one depicted above.

The suspect turned off of Knox Abbott Dr. and struck the victim who was stopped on 9th St. on a motorcycle while waiting for the light to turn at the intersection. The victim sustained significant injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. The suspect was last seen traveling North on 9th St. towards West Columbia. The vehicle should now have damage to the front driver’s side as a result of the collision.

Anyone having information leading to the identification of the suspect or information concerning this crime is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC or the Cayce Department of Public Safety at 803-794-0456.

 

 

News Release 10/26/2009

Cayce Department of Public Safety needs your help with the following:

  On Thursday, October 22, 2009 at approximately 07:20am, an unknown black male suspect attempted to rob the Captain D’s restaurant located at 705 Knox Abbott Drive in Cayce.  The suspect was wearing all dark clothing and a ski mask over his face.  The suspect presented a handgun and ordered the manager to open the safe and give him the money in it.  While the victim was attempting to open the safe, the suspect dropped the gun and a store employee grabbed the suspect in an attempt to subdue him.  During the scuffle, the suspects mask came off and the employee was able to get a good enough look at the suspect to provide information for a sketch artist. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 27-33 years old, with an unknown type of tattoo on his left forearm.  If anyone recognizes the suspect from the artist’s rendering, you are urged to contact Crimestopper’s at 1-888-Crime-SC or Cayce Department of Public Safety at 803-794-0456.  Remember, you do not have to give your name.

 

 

 

News Release 01/19/2010

 

 

Cayce, SC/01/19/2010, 14:00 A.M.

 

The Cayce Department of Public Safety is seeking information in relation to two burglary and vandalism incidents that occurred at Brookland Cayce High School.

 

The first incident occurred on 1-7-2010 and the second on 1-18-2010, on both occasions the perpetrators vandalized the school by breaking numerous glass doors, destroying computers and other vital educational equipment and ransacking the interior of the school.

 

The pictures below depict some of the carnage left behind by the perpetrators.

 

If you have any information leading to the arrest of the suspects involved in either of these incidents, call CrimsStoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Michael Leroy Earvin

DOB 12/13/1975

1041 Charlotte St.

Cayce, SC 29033

The Cayce Department of Public Safety arrested Michael Leroy Earvin last night at approximately 11:10 p.m. after he burglarized a residence in the Riverland Park subdivision.

The victim of the burglary alerted the department after receiving a call from her home phone from Earvin at approximately 2:30 a.m. which made it evident that he had broken into her home. At the time of the burglary Earvin had his dog with him and after forcing entry into the residence his dog attacked and mauled the victim’s dog that was inside the residence at the time of the crime.

During their response officers located Earvin a short distance from the residence and arrested him for the burglary while noting the he had blood on his clothes and shoes from the dog attack inside the residence. Officers also noted that Earvin was intoxicated and found quantities of drugs in Earvin’s possession at the time of his arrest.

Earvin faces the following charges; Burglary 1st Degree, Possession of Marijuana, Public Intoxication, Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, Possession of a Dangerous Animal and two counts of Possession of a Schedule III Narcotic. It is also notable to mention that Earvin is a registered sex offender.

 News Release 02/25/2009

ARRESTED

 

Adam Reid Duncan

321 Jule Martin Road

Anderson, SC 29621

DOB 01/01/1983

The Cayce Department of Public Safety has arrested Adam Reid Duncan after he was observed running two red traffic signals and failed to stop for a blue light. The pursuit ended when Mr. Duncan attempted to make a right hand turn on to Holland Ave. Mr. Duncan lost control of his vehicle causing it to strike a building at 2004 State St. that is owned by local businessman Paul Giugliano.  A foot chase ensued and Mr. Duncan was taken into custody.

 After further investigation it was discovered that Adam Duncan was driving through the City of Cayce while consuming champagne from a bottle and disregarding traffic signals prior to his decision to attempt to flee from police. Additionally, Mr. Duncan was in a stolen vehicle driving under suspension and he had the majority of the components in the trunk to manufacture methamphetamine. After his arrest Mr. Duncan submitted to a breath test which indicated his alcohol level to be .12%.

 Mr. Duncan was charged with Disregarding a Traffic Signal, Failure to Stop for a Blue Light, Driving Under Suspension, Driving Under the Influence, Open Container, Possession of a Stolen Felony Vehicle, Seat Belt Violation and Damaging City Property.

 

 

 

 

News Release 02/03/2009

During a traffic stop on Tuesday February 2, 2009 Cayce Department of Public Safety officers attempted to arrest Terrance E. Harley for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor warrants from Orangeburg County Sheriffs Department. The subject fled and attempted to run over one of our officers. The officer discharged his duty weapon. The officer received minor injuries. The investigation was turned over to The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). For further information contact SLED. 

 

 

News Release 12/04/2008

 

 

The Cayce Department of Public Safety is pleased to announce that its officers have received training and are now certified to carry TASER X26 devices. By utilizing these devices officers now have a new tool to effectively take aggressive criminals into custody while minimizing the possibility of injury to both officers and criminals.

 

Officers underwent certified training from TASER International Inc. during which they were subjected to the effects of the device so that they can anticipate the reactions of future recipients during deployment.

 

Numerous studies have shown significant reductions in officer related injuries and suspect injuries when the unit is utilized in combative, high threat and other serious situations.

 

The Cayce Department of Public Safety feels that this proactive undertaking will provide officers with a broader spectrum of tools to proficiently conduct their duties and serve their community with maximum effectiveness and safety.  

 

For more information concerning TASER and its products, survey results and testing visit www.taser.com.

Update on Armed Robbery from 12/03/2008

Arrested 12/11/2008

Eric Jerome Layton

DOB 07-09-1988   5’11”tall 152lbs

Last known address was 1600 Harden St. which is Benedict College where he was a student.

 

Cayce, SC/12-11-2008, 11:45 A.M.

 

The Cayce Department of Public Safety has obtained warrants for the arrest of Eric Jerome Layton for his involvement in the armed robbery of a 20 year old female on 12-02-2008 at Pointe West Apartments.

 

Barien Jonquin Proctor was arrested on the night of the robbery and Charles Edward Caesar Jr. turned himself into police on 12-04-2008 after seeing his picture indicating that he was wanted in relation to the robbery.

 

Investigators at the Cayce Department Safety worked to corroborate information to identify Mr. Layton who goes by the street name of “E”; they would also like to thank SLED, Benedict College Police and Allen University officers for their assistance in identifying the suspect.

 

Anyone having information that may lead to the arrest of Mr. Layton is encouraged to call CrimsStoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC or the Cayce Police Department at 803-794-0456.

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News Release 11/03/2008 -Armed Robbery

                                              

                                         Arrested                                                   Arrested

                                Barien Jonquin Proctor                           Charles Edward Caesar Jr

                                       01/07/1988                                              05/15/1989

 

 

Cayce SC/10:00A.M 11-03-2008

 

Last night at approximately 10:30P.M. Cayce Department of Public Safety Officers responded to an armed robbery of an individual at Pointe West Apartments located at 215 Spencer Place Rd. which is off of Lorick St. in the City of Cayce.  

Upon arrival, officers discovered that a 20 year old female had been approached by two black males wearing “hoodies” and face masks. The two suspects demanded that the victim give them her purse and car keys and displayed a weapon during the confrontation.

 After robbing the victim of her property the suspects fled the scene on foot. Officers set up a perimeter surrounding the area and called for tracking dogs. During this time officers received information that a black male matching the description of one of the suspects was hiding in the back of a pickup truck a short distance from the crime scene. Officers responded to the vehicle and captured Barien Jonquin Proctor as he was attempting to hide and avoid detection. The victim identified Mr. Proctor as one of the suspects that robbed her and officers found the mask that he was wearing during the robbery.

 West Columbia Officers assisting in the investigation encountered the other suspect as he was running down the RiverWalk Park and gave chase but the suspect eluded Officers and escaped.

 During the investigation Officers stopped a grey/silver 1996 Pontiac Bonneville bearing SC tag 660-XRB that was being driven by Charles Edward Caesar Jr. Officers learned that Mr. Caesar was driving the “getaway” vehicle and was slowly driving through the area looking for the suspects in an attempt to aid in their escape. This information was not obtained until Officers had allowed Mr. Caesar to depart after the traffic stop. The suspect’s vehicle is similar to the one represented below.

 

 

The Cayce Department of Public Safety is asking for assistance in locating Charles Edward Caesar Jr. and the other suspect that eluded Officers during the foot chase. The unknown suspect goes by the street name of “D” and is a black male of average height and weight and was wearing a dark colored “hoodie” during the robbery.

 Anyone having information that may lead to the arrest of the individual(s) involved with this crime should CrimsStoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC or the Cayce Police Department at 803-794-0456.

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News Release 10/08/2008 - Armed Robbery Suspect

 CAPTURED

FRANK DOUGLAS

AGE: 49

HEIGHT: 5’8”-5’10”

WEIGHT: 140 lbs (approx.)

 

SUSPECT IS WANTED BY CAYCE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR ROBBERY OF A FIRST CITIZEN’S BANK ON 10/6/08.

SUBJECT USES NUMEROUS ALIASES, DATES OF BIRTH, AND SSN’S.  

HE IS ALSO WANTED BY COLUMBIA POLICE DEPARTMENT AND AIKEN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE FOR SIMILAR CRIMES.

 WARRANT# I-203024

ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION AS TO THE POSSIBLE LOCATION OF THIS PERSON IS ASKED TO CONTACT CRIMESTOPPERS 1-888-CRIMESC  OR DETECTIVE JASON MERRILL (803) 794-0456 (24HRS)

 

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News Release 8-3-2008

Cayce Department of Public Safety

At approximately 12:53 A.M. todays date  Cayce Department of Public Safety personnel responded to a four vehicle accident on Hwy 302 at I-26. At the scene officers found that a Red 2008 Ford F-250 Pickup truck driven by 32 year old Alexi Edis Bertotty had struck the rear of a Blue 2003 KIA Rio driven by Robert W. Boute. The KIA was also occupied by Michelle H. Chavis and Joseph and Linda Morris from Georgia.

During the investigation officers found Alexi Edis Bertotty to be under the influence of alcohol and he was subsequently charged with felony driving under the influence. Mr. Bertotty submitted to a breath test and registered a .13 blood alcohol content.

 The most seriously injured victim, Linda Michelle Morris, was seated in the back seat behind the driver of the car and received substantial life threatening injuries. She was rushed to Palmetto Richland Trauma Center.  As of 12:25 P.M. this morning Mrs. Morris was in the intensive care unit on life support and still listed in critical condition.

Due to the severity of the accident the Cayce Department of Public Safety called upon the expertise of the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team of the South Carolina Highway Patrol to assist in the investigation.

The accident occurred while three of the vehicles were stopped for the traffic signal on Hwy. 302 (Airport Blvd.) at I-26. The fourth vehicle driven by Alexi Bertotty rammed the rear of the KIA, which was the last vehicle in the line of vehicles waiting for the light. The impact drove the KIA forward causing it to strike another vehicle. Mr. Bertotty’s vehicle drove over the rear of the KIA causing the injuries to Mrs. Morris. Mr. Bertotty was charged with Felony DUI and is currently incarcerated at the LCDC awaiting his bond hearing.

Alexi Edis Bertotty

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News Release  08/01/2008

Cayce Department of Public Safety

At approximately 11:30 P.M. 7-31-2008 Cayce Department of Public Safety personnel responded to a vehicle versus bicycle accident in the 100 block of Knox Abbott Dr. at the Blossom Street bridge. At the scene officers found that a 1998 Chrysler Caravan driven by 41 year old Andra Bryon Jamison struck a bicycle that was being operated by 19 year old Jesse Miller Gamble.

During the investigation officers found Andra Byron Jamison to be under the influence of alcohol and he was subsequently charged with felony driving under the influence. The victim Jesse Miller Gamble had received substancial life threatening wounds and was rushed to Palmetto Richland Trauma Center to address his injuries. As of 9:45 A.M. this morning Mr. Gamble was in the intensive care unit on life support and still listed in critical condition.

Due to the severity of the accident the Cayce Department of Public Safety called upon the expertise of the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team of the South Carolina Highway Partol to assist in the investigation.

Mr. Gamble had completed his shift at a local restaurant on State St. and was attempting to ride to his residence on Sumter St. in Columbia when the incident occurred. Andra Byron Jamison is currently housed at the Lexington County Jail awaiting a bond hearing on his charge of felony DUI. Click here for pictures of the vehicles involved

 

 

               

Andra Bryon Jamison                                     Jesse Miller Gamble

 

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Cayce Department of Public Safety

Drug Raid 06/06/08

 

On Friday June 6, 2008 Members of Cayce Public Safety and the N.E.T Team, completed a drug sweep throughout the City of Cayce in an effort to serve multiple warrants on suspects wanted for Drug Possession and Distribution Charges. This last sweep involved multiple searches of residences that have been distribution centers for illegal drugs during the operation.

 

Additionally, Jennifer Louise Roach was charged with Unlawful Neglect as she was actively smoking illegal drugs in the presence of her one year old child as officers made entry during one of the search warrants. Joseph M. White was charged with littering during the operation after having discarded items in an effort to avoid capture.

 

The Cayce Department of Public Safety is committed to the eradication of drugs and the criminal elements that are associated with the sale and use of all illegal substances. This last sweep is part of a continuing effort by the department to immediately identify persons through citizen’s calls, undercover and intelligence operations, who attempt to start drug distribution operations within the City of Cayce and proactively address drug problems as they arise.

To view a list and photos of those arrested click here.

To view a list of those still wanted on drug charges click here.

 

If you have any information that may assist Cayce Department of Public Safety in their effort to rid the City of Cayce of drug dealers and distribution sites, please call the Cayce Police Department at 803-794-0456, anonymous tips are welcome. Tipsters may also utilize CrimeStoppers (888-559-TIPS). 

 

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Cayce Department of Public Safety

Suspect Arrested

Hector Camo Villafuerte

DOB 11-19-1978  

Charges: Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st degree, Kidnapping, Assault and Battery With Intent to Kill

The Cayce Department of Public Safety has arrested and charged a suspect using the name Hector Camo Villafuerte with the brutal sexual assault of a local woman on Knox Abbott Drive on 5-16-2008. Cayce investigators worked with other agencies to include SLED, Lexington County, Lexington Police and North Carolina authorities to secure evidence linking the suspect to the crime. Cayce investigators have worked closely with Immigrations Custom Enforcement agents to verify the identity of the suspect and indicators are that he is from Mexico illegally living in the United States.

 

The suspect was tracked by investigators to a jobsite in Cayce where the arrest was made. Evidence was collected at the suspect’s home in Charlotte North Carolina and the crime scene that definitively indicated he was the perpetrator in the crime. Forensic evidence, including DNA samples tested by SLED, has connected the suspect to the crime scene as well as to the victim. Due to the nature of the crime it is believed that the suspect may be linked to other similar crimes and investigation will continue to pursue any possibilities. Chief McNair would especially like to thank all persons that provided information and cooperation and especially the Hispanic community leading to the arrest of this suspect. Agencies with other similar crimes are encouraged to contact the Cayce Department of Public Safety at 803-794-0456.