Charleston police see concerning trend in spree of violent crimes over the weekend

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — After a series of violent crimes in Charleston over the weekend,
Charleston police say there’s a concerning trend among recent violent crimes, as they involved minors.

Over the weekend, multiple shootings occurred, and one police pursuit turned into a deadly collision, when the driver of a U-Haul truck crashed while trying to avoid police and killed a motorcyclist in downtown Charleston. Police are also investigating a separate crash: this one involving teen in a stolen car. A bystander tried to help and was shot by one of the passengers resulting in a 13-year-old facing attempted murder charges.

“13, 14, 15-year-olds armed is not acceptable. This is going to be a multi-pronged effort: it does start at home. We need parents to have a better idea of where their children are, who their hanging with, and what they’re possessing because we can’t function in the society with armed 13- and 14-year-olds roaming out streets,” said Sgt. Chris Stinson, the Charleston Public Information Officer.

Another teen was robbed at gunpoint at his home in West Ashley and was shot when he refused to hand over money. Police are also investigating two shootings that took place near Johnson Street in downtown Charleston. Police say several of the incidents stemmed from personal disputes and many of the shootings were the result of minors illegally carrying and using firearms. Now Charleston PD is calling the community’s attention to what they call a bigger societal issue.

“It’s an issue that extends beyond the police scene. It demands community involvement. Law enforcement cannot address these issues alone it starts in the home, in neighborhoods and in relationships. We need parents, we need mentors, we need teachers, and pastors, we’ll take all the help we can get with anyone who wants to assist us in making Charleston safer,” said Stinson.

City of Charleston Mayor Cogswell announced that measures will be proposed at city council in the near future to give law enforcement additional tools to prevent crime saying in a statement, “Charleston will not tolerate violence. If you come to our community to cause trouble, expect to be punished.”

Police Chief Chito Walker put out a statement addressing the high crime saying in part,

“We must all recognize that our children are among the most vulnerable members of society. It is heartbreaking when a child becomes the victim of a violent crime. It is even more inconceivable when a child becomes the offender, especially when committing acts of violence.”

Police are focusing on increased enforcement in high crimes areas and working with their youth programs to prevent these types of crimes in the future.