** update 09/03/2008:Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced today that Valtori Chapman-Hopkins was arrested this morning around 11:00 AM at the Colony Apartments. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that the City of Columbia Police Department responded to a crimestoppers tip which gave Valtori’s location in the Colony Apartments – Police officers from the City responded and arrested him without incident. Sheriff Lott stated that Valtori has been transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center where he awaits a detention hearing. ** update 08/28/2008: Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced today the identity of the fifteen year old being sought in connection with the armed robberies that began August 1, 2008. U nder normal circumstances a juvenile’s information is not released, however due to the nature of the crimes he is involved in, Sheriff Lott requested a court order be issued allowing the fifteen year old’s information released. Sheriff Lott, with the assistance of the Solicitor’s Office, received the court order today from Richland County Family Court. The court order included the following findings: “the court finds sufficient probable cause that Valtori Chapman-Hopkins is involved in violent crimes and the court authorize and permit the release of Hopkins name and photograph”.Chapman-Hopkins is wanted for armed robbery and aggravated assault in connection with the robberies. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call crimestoppers at 888-CRIME-SC.
Ricks and Coleman have been arrested. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced today the search for three men in connection with armed robberies in Lower Richland County and Northwest Richland County and the City of Columbia. Investigators have identified Channen Franks Ricks (DOB 5-25-88), Carl Lee Coleman (DOB 8-23-86), and a 15 year old as being responsible for multiple armed robberies and aggravated assaults in the two jurisdictions (investigators are currently searching for Coleman and the 15 year old – while Ricks was arrested today at 1PM). Sheriff Lott states that the three, armed with guns, appear to ride around the Midlands searching for unsuspecting victims, demand money and then flee in a dark colored Ford Focus, or similar automobile. The trio have been linked to seven robberies in Richland County and several in the City of Columbia since August 1st, 2008. Victims are being robbed late at night, outside of businesses and apartments, and several of the victims have been assaulted.
W arrants for armed robbery and aggravated assault have been issued and anyone with information on their whereabouts should call crimestoppers at 888-CRIME-SC. Crimestoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1000 for information leading to their arrest.
August 22, 2008 | |||||||
