1 arrested, 1 wanted after more than 150 guns stolen from Florence County armory
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — One person has been arrested and another is wanted after more than 150 guns were stolen from a Florence County armory, the sheriff’s office said Friday.
Benjamin Lee Mercer Jr., 29, was arrested Wednesday and charged with burglary, grand larceny, criminal conspiracy and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Benjamin Lee Mercer Sr., 51, is wanted in the case, deputies said. He stands about 6-foot tall and weighs about 180 pounds.
The theft happened May 12 at the Palmetto State Armory, according to the sheriff’s office. The Mercers allegedly entered the store at night by force and stole more than 150 guns valued at more than $100,000.
Mercer Jr. was booked into the Florence County Detention Center and awaits a bond hearing. Anyone with information on Mercer Sr. is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 843-665-2121.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also investigating.
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Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.
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