Update 10/26/2011: With the assistance of the media and crimestoppers, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department has interviewed the witness believed to have seen the stolen credit card used at the Shell Gas Station on October 4, 2011. Sheriff Lott stated that the witness was very cooperative, but was not able to furnish investigators with any relevant information.

Investigators are presently following up on new developments and hope that the public will continue to call in with tips and information on possible suspects or locations on the stolen items. The Sheriff stated that investigators now know that the suspect who used the stolen credit card, at the Shell Station, also used the same stolen credit card on October 4, 2011 at 4:11 AM at the Kangaroo Express located at 317 B North Royal Tower Road, Irmo. The Sheriff added that the car break-ins in Richland and Lexington Counties and the use of the stolen credit cards on October 4, 2011 are related.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect in the car break-ins or the suspect using the stolen credit cards should call, email or text your anonymous tip to: Crimestoppers at 1-888-crimesc, or text “TIPSC plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).  Your tip could earn you a cash reward of up to $1000.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott is requesting the community’s assistance in identifying a possible witness.

Richland County Sheriff’s deputies stated that on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at approximately 4:38 AM at 2201 Bush River Road (Shell Gas Station), an unidentified individual was captured on surveillance video equipment entering the store at almost the exact same time a suspect was using a stolen credit card at the outside gas pumps. The stolen credit card was taken from a victim’s car, which was one of a string of car break-ins that have occurred in the Chapin area. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department would like to question the person seen entering the store -- he may have important information related to the suspect using the stolen card.

Sheriff Lott stated that between September 16, 2011 and October 21, 2011 numerous car break-ins have occurred in the Forty Love Point, Foxport and Lakeport communities in Richland County. The suspect is forcing entry into the cars and stealing guns, laptop computers and I-pads. The suspect appears to be a white male approximately 6 feet tall and of slender build. The incidents are occurring between 2:00 AM and 5:30 AM; with one of the incidents being captured on video surveillance equipment.

Anyone with information on the identity of the witness in the use of the stolen credit card (video and stills below) or information on the suspect should call, email or text your anonymous tip to: Crimestoppers at 1-888-crimesc, or text “TIPSC plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).  Your tip could earn you a cash reward of up to $1000.