RED BANK, S.C. — The Lexington County Sheriff's Department shared data with News 19 after residents in the area brought drug crime concerns to our attention. News19 filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and learned that deputies respond to calls regionally.
In the northern region of Lexington County, in Irmo, West Columbia and Cayce, there were 307 drug crimes in 2022, 328 in 2023, and 139 so far in 2024.
In the western region, including Gilbert, there were more drug crimes: 368 in 2022, 315 in 2023 and 129 so far in 2024.
Lastly, in the southern region, the area of focus had the highest amount of drug crime over the past two years: 387 crimes in 2022, 454 in 2023 and 126 so far in 2024.
Chris Corle has lived in Red Bank for the past 20 years. He said there's been a drug problem in the area for as long as he can remember.
"We've had a growing issue with drugs and people using drugs in the area, and the crime that comes with it: break ins, robberies, people stealing stuff, I mean I've had multiple things on my property that, thankfully they were locked, but they've tried to drill locks out," Corle said.
State Rep. R.J. May said he hears the same thing.
"Constituents reach out to me about two primary issues here in South Congaree and Red Bank and that is drug and drug paraphernalia and the enforcement of traffic laws, so speeding in neighborhood and residential areas," May said.
Chris said that someone has tried to break into his house twice in the last five years. He added that his wife fears going to the store alone at night.
"I can't even let my kids out in the backyard anymore cause somebody can come walking through the woods, we've had it happen before," Corle said.
He said he stopped running along his street in the mornings because of too many needles on the road.
"You have about a 50/50 shot of whether they're just high and want to be left alone, or if they're going to be aggressive," Corle said.
According to data from the Lexington County Sheriff's Department, the southern region, including Red Bank, has seen the most overall crime in 2022, 2023, and so far in 2024 compared to the county's northern and western regions.
Long-time Red Bank business owner Jay Webb said the people he sees who are down on hard times often need help with their mental health.
"But what we can do is get involved and be active," Webb said. "You see something that's out of the ways, it's our community, it's our home. Be on it. Figure out what's going on."
The Lexington Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council (LRADAC), a non-profit in the Midlands, offers rehabilitation help without financial barriers.
The organization sent News19 this statement:
"As Lexington County continues to grow, LRADAC is working hard to raise awareness of our treatment and detox services not only to the new residents who have moved here but also to everyone in communities like Red Bank, reminding everyone that we are here and available for anyone who is struggling with substance misuse. Our prevention efforts include town hall meetings throughout Lexington County, partnerships with Lexington County schools on substance misuse education and awareness, and collaboration with our community partners and law enforcement on special outreach like National Drug Take Back Day in and around the Red Bank area.
If someone is struggling with substance misuse, they can call our Lexington office at 803-726-9400 or our Columbia office at 803-726-9300 for information on assessments, treatment, and detox services. People can also walk in for an assessment at our Lexington location at 1068 South Lake Drive and downtown Columbia at 2711 Colonial Drive. We also remind anyone struggling that finances are never a barrier to treatment at LRADAC, and we offer financial assistance to qualified individuals. Please visit us online to learn more about all our services at lradac.org."
According to Sheriff Koon, index crimes -- or crimes the Lexington County Sheriff's Department reports to the FBI, like murders, rapes, and significant property crimes -- have decreased by 24% between 2020 and 2023.