A Father-Son Duo Accused of Massive Gun Heist in Florence-area Arrested
Massive Armory Robbery Suspects in Custody
Accused of stealing over 150 firearms from a Pee Dee armory in the Florence area of South Carolina, Benjamin Lee Mercer Sr. is now behind bars. Just over a month after the audacious theft, Mercer Sr. was apprehended and found himself in the Florence County Detention Center early Friday, facing an impressive list of charges.
Accusations against Mercer Sr. include second-degree burglary, grand larceny, criminal conspiracy, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a stolen pistol.
Duo Apprehended in Darlington County
The arrest took place in neighboring Darlington County, where both Mercer Sr. and his son, Benjamin Lee Mercer Jr., were taken into custody. The father-son duo is believed to have forcibly entered the Palmetto State Armory on the night of May 12, making off with a haul of over 150 firearms reportedly valued at over $100,000.
Second Arrest for Younger Mercer
This arrest does not mark the first time Mercer Jr. has found himself in custody for these alleged thefts. Days after the incident, he was initially arrested, only to be released on bond. However, freedom was short-lived, and earlier this month, he was arrested again after an hours-long standoff with Florence County deputies.
As of Friday, both father and son remain behind bars in the Florence County Detention Center.
Investigation Ongoing
The in-depth investigation is still ongoing, with local authorities working round the clock to seek justice for this massive weapon theft. The implications of such a crime are not lost on local authorities or the community, with a heightened sense of apprehension pervading the region.
With a significant number of powerful firearms stolen, local residents are understandably concerned for their safety. As such, authorities are urging anyone with information relating to this case to come forward.
Call for Public Assistance
Law enforcement is keenly interested in retrieving the stolen firearms and returning them to their rightful place. Any residents with information about this case are strongly encouraged to come forward immediately, in the interest of public safety. Their valuable insights could be vital in assisting the ongoing investigation, ensuring that justice is served and public safety maintained.
The magnitude of this kind of criminal activity is not overlooked, especially in a close-knit community like Pee Dee. It is hoped that the arrest and ongoing criminal charges against the Mercer duo will serve as a strong warning against engaging in such perilous illegal acts, ensuring public safety and the sanctity of the law.
