Darlington, SC – Deputies in Darlington County arrested a suspect this week following an armed robbery, arson, and burglary that spanned multiple days across Florence and Darlington counties.
According to the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to Baytree Road in the Florence area around 11 p.m. on Thursday, September 18. Victims told deputies a suspect pulled into their driveway, held them at gunpoint, and demanded personal items before fleeing on foot.
Investigators tracked the suspect’s car to a home on Eagle Point Drive in Florence. Deputies discovered the residence on fire with a deceased individual inside. The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim, set the home on fire, and stole the victim’s car before committing an armed robbery.
On Friday, September 19, deputies responded to a burglary in progress on Turnpike Road in Darlington. While investigating, law enforcement detained a man hiding in a wooded area. Authorities say the suspect matched the description from the previous armed robbery.
Deputies arrested Jody Hairston, who now faces charges including two counts of armed robbery, two counts of burglary, arson, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and grand larceny. Additional charges may follow.
Hairston’s bond hearing was held Saturday morning, September 20, where a magistrate judge denied bond. The case remains under investigation by multiple agencies, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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