Orangeburg, SC – A South Carolina man who unwittingly became the subject of several viral memes highlighting his alleged ability to elude deputies has now been arrested, according to the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Sheriff Leroy Ravenell, 24-year-old Iquan Deandre Collier of Santee was taken into custody Thursday and charged with two counts of second-degree burglary. The sheriff said he had seen the memes circulating online — including one joking about Ravenell “chasing Collier with a helicopter” — and noted that those online jokes would now need updating.
“Clever, funny. But now we need one for catching him,” Ravenell said.
According to warrants, Collier allegedly broke into the Elloree Country Store on October 21, taking cash and cigarettes. Six days later on October 27, deputies say Collier and an accomplice were caught on camera breaking into the Oak Ridge Food Store on Five Chop Road.
One viral meme, created with AI, portrayed Collier saying, “…pulling up behind me again? You won’t catch me this time…” Authorities say the reality proved otherwise when deputies located and arrested him this week.
During a Friday hearing, Collier’s bond was set at $30,000 cash or surety, and he is expected to be placed on GPS monitoring if he posts bond. Additional charges may be possible as investigators continue reviewing footage from the two store break-ins.
Residents in Santee, Elloree, and greater Orangeburg County are encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office with any information connected to recent business burglaries in the area.
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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