Repeat Shoplifter Charged In Gun Theft Investigation

Columbia SC

30 March, 2022

2:16 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Columbia Police Department: March 24, 2022 Columbia Police Department (CPD) officers used physical evidence to link a 32-year-old man in connection with a series of store thefts. In one case, the suspect is accused of stealing firearms. Police Chief W.H. "Skip" Holbrook announces that Christopher Cunningham is charged with fourteen counts of Shoplifting (Enhanced), Assault and Battery – First Degree, and Burglary – Second Degree. Cunningham is housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC) after a judge denied his bond. Between September 2021 and February 2022, Cunningham allegedly stole multiple items from the Walmart Shopping Center located 7520 Garners Ferry Road. The stolen merchandise includes electronics, household items, vehicle equipment, toys, and firearms. In the most recent case from March 6, 2022, Cunningham and an unidentified male co-defendant are accused of stealing four guns from the store. Physical evidence collected at the crime scene and surveillance video linked Cunningham to the incident. Thankfully, two of the firearms have been recovered and are being processed for evidentiary value. Investigators continue to work to identify Cunningham's co-defendant. In one shoplifting incident, Cunningham is accused of displaying a knife when store employees confronted him about stealing items. In another incident, an employee reported to CPD that the suspect assaulted her. The victim did not sustain life-threatening injuries. All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law. This press release was produced by the City of Columbia Police Department. The views expressed here are the author's own.