70-year-old Columbia man arrested for growing marijuana
A Columbia man was arrested Tuesday after Columbia police discovered that he was growing marijuana at his home, The State reported.
Thomas McMillan, 70, was charged with manufacturing marijuana in connection with the illegal growing operation. His operation was centered inside of a chicken coop.
The coop was found after Columbia Police received a tip from Crimestoppers. The tip led them to the operation headquartered at the 2400 block of Laurel Street.
The Drug Suppression Team found four marijuana plants ranging from eight to 10 feet tall in the coop. According to Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook the street value of those plants is around $30,000.
Holbrook also said that they seized two high-intensity lights used to grow the plants, a shotgun and a bag containing a green leafy substance.
3 men arrested for RIchland Walmart robbery
Three men were arrested in connection to a woman being robbed at the Walmart in northeast Richland County, WLTX reported.
The incident in question happened around 3:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Walmart located on Two Notch Road.
The victim told police that she was approached by two men that she did not know, and one tried to grab her purse. The other man shoved her to the ground. The two men were able to get able to get away in a car driven by the third suspect.
The victim was able to describe the car to officers and gave the tag number. Police pursued the car and arrested two and captured the third later.
The three suspects are all charged with strong arm robbery.
Consumer Affairs warns over fraudulent calls
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs has been warning residents that scammers have been using the department's number to appear real, WIS reported.
The scammers have been calling residents claiming to be the department trying to collect a fake debt.
A news release from SC Consumer Affairs said that the scammers are using a "scare tactic" to have people volunteer money and information.
The department suggests that residents should never reveal personal information over the phone and to not trust caller ID.
They also said that potential victims should ask the caller for their name and other defining details as well as to never send money.
The Department of Consumer Affairs said that if someone receives a suspicious call to report it to the SCDCA and the details of the call.