Crime & Courts

SLED, Rural Sheriff Seek Tips On Arson Incident

Cash reward offered for information leading to arrests …

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Agents of the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Chesterfield County sheriff’s office are seeking assistance from the public as they continue their investigation into an arson incident that destroyed two tractors last month on a rural highway.

The tractors belonged to a road construction crew, according to a SLED news release. They were discovered in flames after a passing motorist reported a fire in the area at approximately 7:55 p.m. EST on March 16, 2023. The tractors – which were the property of Lynches River Contracting, Inc. – were parked at a staging area on U.S. Highway 52 near Cheraw, S.C. where they were “being used to repave that same highway,” according to the release.

“Anyone with information regarding this incident or believes they may have seen something suspicious at or near this location is strongly encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of the Pee Dee,” the release added. “Anonymity is guaranteed.”

(Click to view)

One of the tractors destroyed in an arson incident on U.S. Highway 52 near Cheraw, S.C. on March 16, 2023 (SLED)

A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for any tip leading to the arrest of the subject(s) involved with this incident.

Those looking to assist SLED and Chesterfield County can submit tips in one of several ways. First they can visit PeeDeeCrimeStoppers.com. Second, they can call 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372). Finally, they can use the P3 Tips app on their Apple or Android device.

Instances of arson were down in 2021 in the Palmetto State after a big spike in 2020, according to the latest statewide crime data from SLED. A total of 723 incidents were reported – which was down 3.7 percent from the previous year’s total of 751. The arson rate per 10,000 citizens also dipped by 5.1 percent – from 1.47 to 1.39.

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR …

Will Folks on phone
Will Folks (Brett Flashnick)

Will Folks is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children.

***

WANNA SOUND OFF?

Got something you’d like to say in response to one of our articles? Or an issue you’d like to address proactively? We have an open microphone policy! Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. Got a tip for a story? CLICK HERE. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? CLICK HERE.

***

Get our newsletter by clicking here …

*****

Related posts

Crime & Courts

‘Deny, Defend, Depose…’

Will Folks
Crime & Courts

South Carolina Senator Seeks Clarity On Municipal Police Drama

FITSNews
Crime & Courts

A Perfect Storm: Family Ripped Apart By Violent Tragedy

Jenn Wood

Leave a Comment