RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — Two suspects in an arson case, one of whom was out on bond for two counts of murder, have been arrested roughly a week after they allegedly set fire to a home in Hopkins, officials say.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department said 18-year-old Travis Tucker and 22-year-old Christian Irick were charged in connection with a home in the 200 block of Country Haven Road on July 14. Deputies were called to the area that day around 5:30 p.m. and learned that one suspect had dumped gasoline under the home and lit a fire while the victim was still inside. Both men left before the deputies arrived.
The sheriff's department said Tucker was arrested on July 18 on a charge of second-degree arson. While serving the warrant, authorities said they found a modified gun that was reported stolen elsewhere in the county. The weapon had an extended magazine and a "Glock switch," which allows the user to fire the gun as a fully automatic weapon, authorities said. That led to additional charges of possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and unlawful carry. He was taken to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
Deputies in Florence County helped investigators find Irick at a family home where he was arrested on Thursday. A search warrant at the home also uncovered evidence related to the incident, a large amount of drugs and two stolen guns - one out of Richland County and the other out of Orangeburg County. One gun was modified with a Glock switch, and the other had the back plate removed. Investigators also found another Glock switch in the home.
He was charged with criminal conspiracy, a felony and will face additional charges in Florence County for items found in the home.
The sheriff's department said Irick was out on bond for two counts of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime concerning a shooting in 2023. The department said he was granted a $125,000 bond three months before the incident under the conditions that he wore an ankle monitor, remained employed and remained on good behavior.