A Midlands teenager is facing hate crime charges in connection to a burglary investigation. The Richland County Sheriff's Department responded to a reported burglary at a vacant home on Coatesdale Road in Columbia, May 14th. A witness told deputies they were sent by the homeowner to check on the property.
When the witness arrived they saw two minors running from the home. Deputies say the home was severely damaged, racial slurs and swastikas were spray painted on the walls. That made the offense a hate crime.
The 13 year old suspect was found nearby and was taken into custody. The teenager has not been identified due to their age, but was transported to the DJJ facility in Columbia.
