June 5, 2025

Rising Crimes Targeting Elderly in North Charleston and Summerville

News Summary

A recent wave of crimes targeting senior citizens has emerged in North Charleston and Summerville, raising alarm among local law enforcement and residents. Multiple incidents include a robbery of an 83-year-old man and the murder of a 66-year-old resident in a care home. Additionally, a case of kidnapping and attempted murder involving an 89-year-old woman has shocked the community. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant as investigations continue to ensure safety and justice for vulnerable members of society.

North Charleston, S.C. — An alarming series of crimes targeting the elderly has raised concerns in North Charleston and Summerville, South Carolina, where law enforcement is investigating multiple incidents that have left victims in vulnerable situations.

On Tuesday, police in North Charleston responded to a snatch and grab robbery involving an 83-year-old man at 7555 Northwoods Blvd. The elderly victim was sitting inside his vehicle when a man approached him under the pretense of needing money for gas. After noticing the victim’s money clip containing approximately $200, the suspect opened the car door and forcibly took the money clip before fleeing the scene. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation continues.

In a separate but equally disturbing incident, authorities were called to the North Haven Residential Home in North Charleston to investigate an assault. There, they discovered Curtis Scott, a 66-year-old resident, dead from multiple blunt force injuries. An 84-year-old man named Harry Rivers has since been charged with murder concerning Scott’s death. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and firefighters attempted to assist Scott upon their arrival, but he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Another resident was briefly detained for questioning related to the assault.

Additionally, a shocking case unfolded in Summerville involving a 34-year-old man from California, Enver Marius Zueros, who has been charged with kidnapping, attempted murder, and first-degree burglary after allegedly assaulting an 89-year-old woman. Zueros traveled across the country for 10 days after meeting the victim, who had begun to stop providing him financial support following the death of her brother.

The kidnapping incident took place at the victim’s home on Muirford Village Court. Zueros reportedly assaulted her, binding her hands and spraying her with bear repellant. He then placed her in her vehicle, wrapped in dog leashes and duct tape, and covered her head with a bag. Police initially could not locate her due to her missing car, which raised suspicions of foul play. However, the stolen vehicle was later found on Arco Lane in North Charleston, approximately 30 minutes away from the victim’s home. Authorities discovered the woman alive, hidden under the backseat floorboards. She was airlifted to a hospital but is currently recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Community involvement played a critical role in the victim’s rescue, with neighbors alerting authorities to suspicious activity around the area. Zueros was subsequently arrested in Augusta, Georgia. At the time of this incident, he was already out on bond for a separate attempted murder charge in California. The Summerville Police Chief has emphasized that, without the police intervention, the situation could have turned fatal for the kidnapped woman.

This crime spree has prompted serious discussions about the safety of elderly residents in the North Charleston and Summerville areas. Local law enforcement is urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to keep residents safe. With ongoing investigations into these unsettling incidents, officials are working diligently to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent further crimes targeting vulnerable members of the community.

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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.