Sumter, SC (WLTX) -- The Sumter Police Department has arrested four people on looting charges for taking items placed on the edge of yards in neighborhoods affected by flooding.
33-year-old Christopher Welch, 32-year-old April Welch, 28-year-old Sherry Miles, and 32-year-old Phillip Miles are all charged with looting.
Officers say that around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, a white van and black SUV were seen by an officer in the Shadow/Clematis Trails area. Additional officers were called and after a traffic stop, one of the suspects told police that they were looking for items from the side of the road to take home.
"This law is in place to protect the state's citizens during some of the most challenging times like what we just experienced in Sumter," Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark said. "We ask that we come together as one to help our neighbors and to show respect for each other's belongings as we work to recover."
Christopher Welch is also charged with contempt of family court. April Welch is also charged with fugitive from justice.
All four suspects are being held at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
The Sumter Police Department asks that anyone who suspects someone of looting is asked to call the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700. You can also provide tips anonymously to CrimeStoppers at (803) 436-2718 or 1-888-CRIME-SC.
