COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – A Midlands teen is now being charged with a hate crime in connection with a burglary investigation.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department said the 13-year-old suspect, who was not identified due to their age, is being charged under the county’s hate crime ordinance, along with counts of third-degree burglary and malicious injury to property.
RCSD said deputies first responded to the burglary on May 14 at a vacant home on Coatesdale Road. A witness reportedly told authorities that they arrived at the home to check on the property for the owner when they noticed a bicycle outside and two minors running from the home.
RCSD said the inside of the home had extensive damage, including large holes in the walls, a door that had been kicked in and several broken windows. The scene inside also included several graffiti spray-painted messages containing racial slurs and antisemitic messaging that included the use of swastikas.
The sheriff’s department also provided photos from the scene, which WIS has altered to censor the offensive messaging.
The 13-year-old was later found at a home nearby after deputies spoke with other witnesses and matched a description provided. Paint cans were also found at the teen’s home during a search warrant.
RCSD said the teen was taken to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, but authorities are still working to identify the second suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call RCSD at 803-576-3000 or CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
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