Florence Swept by Wave of Armed Robberies: Three Custody, More Suspects on the Loose
String of Robberies Shakes Florence Community
Three individuals have been apprehended following a series of armed robberies in Florence that unfolded in less than twenty-four hours this past Monday. The incidents rocked the quiet streets between Coit and Darlington, casting a shadow on the otherwise peaceful community. The Florence Police Department confirmed that, despite having three suspects in custody, their Investigative Unit is seeking additional culprits in relation to these crimes.
The first robbery transpired just before 1 a.m. on Coit Street, when a victim was approached by five masked men who demanded his wallet and phone at gunpoint. Miraculously, the victim was unharmed during the incident. He managed to immediately alert the police of the heinous crime, providing the first lead into a night teeming with unlawful activities.
Second and Third Armed Robberies Linked to Same Suspects
As the night evolved, another report of a robbery filtered in at 1:45 a.m. The victim, who was heading towards a local gas station close to Coit and Darlington Streets, was intercepted by three individuals. Brandishing weapons, the robbers swiftly carried out their crime, divesting the man of his possessions. Like the first victim, this person was spared physical harm. He soon reported the incident to the police, pouring more fuel into the unfolding investigation.
The third episode of daylight robbery occurred around 3:30 p.m. at the ‘On the Go’ Gas Station, not far from the previous crime scenes. Two teenagers, aged 15 and 17, were reportedly on their way to purchase a gaming console when they were cornered by two suspects. Employing the same intimidation tactics, brandishing a firearm, the thieves swiftly stole the young victims’ money before vanishing without a trace. Fortunately, both teenagers were left unscathed.
Arrests on Coit Street: One Suspect Allegedly Linked to All Robberies
In a joint effort, the Florence City Emergency Response Team and Florence County SWAT officers executed a search warrant leading to the arrest of three individuals. Identified as Zion Cusack, Tyquan Williams, and Daymon Tinsley, these men are now being held at the Florence County Detention Center as they await trial.
According to investigators, Zion Cusack showed up consistently on the radar and is believed to be linked with all three robberies. However, knowing that five individuals were present at the first robbery alone, the investigators are not resting on their laurels and are still on the hunt for additional suspects.
Call for Public Input
Florence Police Department has urged anyone with information related to these events to step forward and share what they know. Pointing out that the security of the community is a shared responsibility, they have urged locals to call Investigator Murphy at 843-665-3191 with any leads that might aid in the investigation. The hope is to swiftly bring all involved to justice and reinstate a sense of safety among the residents of Florence.
