Sumter Police: 5 charged in multiple car break-ins

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– Three adults and two juveniles were placed in custody on Monday and charged in connection to an overnight rash of car break-ins and related thefts, say Sumter Police.

The Sumter Police Department says, the individuals were located and identified after officers responded to a neighborhood where people were seen breaking into cars.

Officers say the areas where cars were broken into include Putter Drive, Rast Street, Beach Forest and Coachman Drive.

While investigating the auto break-ins, officers say they found materials linking the suspects to three vehicles that were stolen over the weekend.

Ellison Cooper, 18, of Montana Drive; Tayone Ingram, 20, of Bracy Court; and Chaquan McGee, 19, of Curtis Drive are each being charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, criminal conspiracy, unlawful carry of a firearm, four counts breaking and entering auto and three counts of possession of a stolen vehicle.

McGee also is charged with FTC card theft.

Detectives say a 16-year-old is being charged with unlawful carry of a firearm, possession of a handgun by a person under the age of 18, possession of a handgun with the serial number removed, four counts of breaking and entering auto and three counts possession of a stolen vehicle.

Also, a 15-year-old is being charged with unlawful carry of a firearm, possession of a
weapon by a person under the age of 18, four counts of breaking or entering auto and three counts possession of a stolen vehicle.

The three adults were taken to the county detention center and both juveniles were taken in a state department of juvenile justice facility.

Law enforcement is reminding residents to take steps to secure their cars and the property inside.