News Summary
A Charleston man was arrested for allegedly attempting a strong-arm robbery at a Five Below store. The incident involved an altercation with an employee who confronted him. As local police responded promptly, the accused was apprehended shortly after. The community remains concerned for retail safety, while the legal proceedings for the suspect are ongoing.
Charleston Man in Hot Water After Five Below Robbery
Charleston, South Carolina – A local man found himself in a bit of a pickle after allegedly engaging in some not-so-friendly behavior at a Five Below store. The incident unfolded on December 21, 2024, around 5:50 p.m., sending shockwaves through the discount retail scene.
What Went Down at Five Below
Demond Lewis Gilliam, a 46-year-old resident of Charleston, was arrested in connection to the strong-arm robbery that took place at the Five Below location on Savannah Highway. According to reports, Gilliam attempted to snatch items from the store and did not take kindly to being confronted by an employee. Witnesses indicated that during this brief altercation, Gilliam scratched the employee’s arm, escalating what began as a simple accusation into a serious situation.
The Response from Authorities
Upon receiving reports about the robbery, the Charleston Police Department promptly dispatched officers to the scene to investigate the situation. Thanks to the quick thinking and reliable reporting of bystanders, they were able to gather vital information about what transpired during the incident. This possibly aided in the swift apprehension of Gilliam.
A Quick Arrest
In a stroke of luck for law enforcement, the North Charleston Police Department managed to locate Gilliam and take him into custody just a couple of days after the alleged robbery, on a Wednesday. While the events leading up to his arrest certainly raised a few eyebrows, the focus now shifts to the legal procedures that follow.
The Legal Side of Things
Gilliam has been charged with strong-arm robbery, which is a serious offense that carries heavy penalties. As it stands, his bond has not yet been set, leaving many curious about what the future holds for the accused. A hearing has been scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m., where the court will review the circumstances surrounding his arrest and determine the next steps.
Community Response
The local community has shown great interest in this case, with many residents expressing concern about the safety of retail spaces in their neighborhoods. The Charleston Police Department has reiterated the importance of vigilance and encourages members of the public to report any suspicious activities they may witness. If anyone has further information regarding this particular incident, they are urged to reach out to the police department at 843-720-2422.
A Cautionary Tale
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that retail workers face while trying to maintain a safe shopping environment. It highlights the importance of cooperation between store employees and local law enforcement to address and prevent future incidents. As Charleston continues to thrive and grow, it is essential for everyone to foster a collaborative spirit in keeping their community safe.
So there you have it, folks! As we await more updates on Gilliam’s court hearing, let’s remember to stay alert and support our local businesses. After all, it’s what makes Charleston the vibrant city it is today!
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Man Arrested in Connection to Strong Arm Robbery at Charleston Five Below Store
- ABC News 4: Man Charged in Five Below Robbery Incident in Charleston
- Fox Bangor: Charleston Man Arraigned for Allegedly Robbing a 90-Year-Old Widow
- ABC News 4: Charleston Man Charged with Armed Robbery After Forcing Victim to Venmo $550 at Gunpoint
- Live 5 News: Teen Arrested Within Minutes of Charleston Jewelry Store Robbery
- Wikipedia: Robbery
- Google Search: Strong-arm Robbery
- Google Scholar: Retail Crime Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google News: Charleston Robbery
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
