Citizen detains burglary suspect until deputies arrive | Crime

An alert citizen detained a burglary suspect until officers arrived on the scene, according to sheriff’s deputies.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department arrested 29-year-old Mark Broom for two counts of burglary and larceny.

Investigators say Broom was involved in two separate burglaries at the Hunt Club Apartments.

The report said on Monday, Nov. 26, Broom forced entry through the front door into an apartment and stole a 32” television and two jars of pennies.

According to sheriff’s deputies, a concerned citizen identified Broom as the suspect who broke into the apartment.

Investigators began processing warrants for Broom’s arrest.

However, just before 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the same apartment complex, Broom attempted to burglarize another residence. Deputies say a concerned citizen heard noises coming from one of the apartments and spotted Broom using a tool to attempt entry into the front door.

The report said Broom then went to his vehicle to retrieve another tool and returned to the apartment to make another attempt at entry but the citizen detained Broom until deputies arrived and arrested him.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that it is an alert community that continues to assist law enforcement in apprehending and reducing crime in our County. Sheriff Leon Lott added that all it takes is “Unity in the Community” to work towards a better environment for all.