Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced today the investigation into the robbery of Kent’s Korner on Broad River Road (2220 Broad River Road) at approximately 3:55 AM on March 6, 2008. Sheriff Lott stated that an unknown suspect entered the business and at gun point demanded money – the suspect then fled on foot. The suspect who robbed Kent’s Korner was wearing what appeared to be a skeleton or scream mask (white) that looked like it zipped up over the head. Deputies are working with the City of Columbia Police Department on a similar case that occurred on February 20, 2008 at the Pitt Stop (4452 Devine Street) around 11:00 PM -- a tan or gold colored 4 door vehicle (possibly a Buick Century with a square style trunk lid) pulled into the parking lot, drove by the door, circled the parking lot and a black male suspect exited the passenger side. The passenger suspect entered the business wearing a skeleton long sleeved shirt with what appeared to be a skeleton or scream mask (white) that looked like it zipped up over the head. The suspect robbed the business and got back in the car where a second suspect (only described as a black male with a hat) was waiting and the pair fled.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that investigators from the Sheriff’s Department and Police Department are working on identifying those responsible for these crimes and that anyone with information on the identity of those responsible is asked to call crimestoppers at 888-559-tips or go to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com – crimestoppers is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible in these cases and any crime.

March 07, 2008