One suspect is in custody and others are still sought after a string of mailbox vandalism incidents in Columbus County.
In one case, an opossum was discarded on the porch of a victim, in what the sheriff’s office called a “particularly unusual and concerning” incident.
Walker Chase Richardson, 20, of Aynor was taken into custody April 13, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies worked with Horry County Police to apprehend Richardson in Aynor, S.C. HE was extradited to Columbus on Wednesday.
Richardson faces 14 counts of injury to real property, ten counts of misdemeanor conspiracy, two of felony conspiracy, and one charge each of damage to property and felony littering of hazardous waste, the sheriff’s office said in a press release.
Richardson was held under $56,000 secured bond. His address was listed as 2933 Short Leaf Dr., Aynor.
The vandalisms occurred in North Whiteville, Evergreen and Macedonia, according to the sheriff’s office. Most of the damage was done to mailboxes and mailbox posts earlier this month.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected, according to the sheriff’s office. Anyone who believes they were affected by these incidents, or who may have information related to this case, is encouraged to contact the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.
