Suspect Arrested After Kidnapping and Armed Robbery at Williamston Gas Station
WILLIAMSTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – Police in Williamston say a suspect is in custody after a kidnapping and armed robbery unfolded at a local gas station on Wednesday afternoon.
Incident at Stop N Go
Around 2:10 p.m., officers responded to the Stop N Go on 103 Greenville Drive following reports that a suspect had forced a victim into a vehicle and driven them to the station. The victim was reportedly compelled to make a withdrawal from an ATM before police arrived.
Swift Police Response
When officers entered the store, they found the suspect standing next to the victim. The individual was detained immediately without further confrontation.
At the same time, a second man inside the store was briefly detained after the victim shouted, “That man has a gun in his car.” Authorities quickly confirmed the second person was not connected to the crime and released him, calling him an innocent bystander caught in the chaos.
Police later issued an apology for the temporary detention, noting: “No police response is ever perfect, and in this case our officers made the decision they believed necessary at the time to safeguard everyone involved.”
Charges Against the Suspect
The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, is facing multiple charges, including:
- Kidnapping
- Attempted robbery
- Trafficking crack and cocaine
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm during a violent crime
The investigation remains active, and additional details are expected to be released as the case develops.
Community Impact
Wednesday’s incident left many in Williamston rattled, as a routine stop at a gas station turned into a dangerous situation. While no injuries were reported, the case underscores concerns about violent crime and the quick decisions officers must make in the moment.
Do you live near Greenville Drive in Williamston? Share your thoughts on police response and community safety with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
