A Beaufort teen has been arrested in connection with multiple vehicle break-ins on Lady’s Island.
Eighteen-year-old Jeremy Walter Gilliland, wanted on 13 counts of Breaking into a Motor Vehicle, turned himself into investigators on October 2. Gilliland has been connected to a series of vehicle break-ins that occurred recently in several Lady’s Island neighborhoods.
Gilliland was initially identified when a resident in Spanish Moss came out of his home early morning Sunday, Oct. 6, for a run and discovered Gilliland rummaging through his vehicle. The victim confronted Gilliland, who fled the scene. Deputies were able to locate Gilliland a short distance away. Gilliland was positively identified and placed under arrest on four counts of Breaking into a Motor Vehicle. He was released from jail on Monday morning, Oct. 7.
As multiple reports of vehicle break-ins had been fielded throughout the neighborhoods of Spanish Moss, Southern Magnolia, and Marsh Hawk Plantation, investigators worked to connect the incidents. A search warrant conducted on Gilliland’s 2001 Chevy S-10 yielded evidence placing Gilliland in vehicles in each of these communities. In each of these incidents, Gilliland made entry to unlocked vehicles, stealing various items of opportunity such as cash and small electronics. Investigators were able to secure 13 additional warrants for Gilliland leading to his re-arrest.
To date, Gilliland has been charged in 17 vehicle break-ins, however, the investigation into his possible involvement in other recently reported Lady’s Island vehicle break-ins remains active. Additional charges may be sought pending the results of forensic evidence analysis. While it is also suspected that Gilliland was not working alone, no other suspect(s) have been identified at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact either Investigator Cpl. A. Zsamar at 843-255-3408 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC (274-6372).
