Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook announce the arrest of two men in connection with the assault of an innocent bystander during the riot of May 30.
Trechaun Belton — 02/09/99 — was arrested on charges of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, instigating a riot and aggravated breach of peace. Also, a 16-year-old has been arrested on charges of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, instigating a riot and aggravated breach of peace.
On May 30, the employee of an area business walked out to assess the situation taking place in The Vista. The staffer was attempting to determine if it was safe for employees to come to work.
While attempting to make a phone call, agitators in the crowd began accusing him of attempting to call the police.
Suspect sought in incident for stomping on victim’s head.
Belton and the 16-year-old overheard the accusations and ran toward the victim. Though Belton charged at the victim, it was the 16-year-old who struck him. Once on the ground, several people joined the attack.
The incident left the man suffering from a brain bleed. Also, he has no recollection of the attack that left him bedridden.
The 16-year-old is one of dozens of agitators who hijacked the peaceful protests that took place earlier in the day. He is a known gang member.
The State Law Enforcement Division, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation and apprehension of both men.
“I hope that these continued arrests prove to every single person who engaged in criminal behavior during these riots that they’re not going to get away with it,” Sheriff Lott said. “I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but I promise you, we are not done.”
Further, RCSD and CPD are seeking to identify a man wearing a black shirt, black jeans and a red hat. The man is among those who joined the attack of the innocent bystander; he specifically is seen stomping on the victim’s head.