August 22, 2008

CMPD officers have taken into custody the suspect wanted for a deadly string of crimes that includes the murder of 15-year-old William Adams (DOB 09/23/1992) at 5 Points Park and possible involvement in the murder of a female on Keswick. Officers took Reginald Lamar Johnson (DOB 8-6-1986) into custody at 1:45 a.m. following an intense manhunt and brief foot pursuit that ended at 5th and I-77.      

This suspect is also believed to be responsible for at least two other robberies in the past 24 hours.  Here is a synopsis of the events:

Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 11:53  a.m.
Tthe victim was sitting in his vehicle parked on the 1700 block of Park Drive eating lunch. The suspect approached with a gun, took the victims key and wallet and fled the scene in the vehicle, the 2002 Silver Nissan Altima the suspect is currently driving.

Thursday, August 21, 2008, at 12:55 a.m.
A victim at the Motel 6, 3430 St. Vardell Lane, reported that an unknown black male approached him with a gun, demanded his keys and money and left the scene in his 1997 burgandy Ford Expedition.

Thursday, August 21, 2008, 6:24 p.m.
Witnesses report the suspect approached 15-year-old William Adams at 5 Points Park, 218 French St. and shot him, then fled the scene in the 2002 silver Altima (SC tag). Mr. Adams was transported to Carolinas Medical Center where he died a short time later.  Next of kin has been notified.

Detectives are also looking into his possible involvement in a homicide that occurred on Keswick Avenue. At 11:34 p.m., the suspect approached a man and woman walking down Keswick Avenue, first in his vehicle and then on foot. He demanded money and when they indicated they did not have any, he shot the female in the chest. She died at Carolinas Medical Center. Next of kin have not yet been notified.

Johnson will be charged with one count murder and one count of robbery. Additional charges are pending. He has nine previous arrests ranging from robbery and aggravated assault to motor vehicle theft and drugs.