Greenwood, South Carolina, September 2, 2025
News Summary
A burglary in Greenwood led to the swift arrest of a suspect, William James Lott III, following a tense standoff with law enforcement. The Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office reported that Lott was found inside the residence with accessible weapons. After threatening harm, authorities deployed a SWAT team and used gas to apprehend him safely. Lott now faces charges for second-degree burglary and malicious injury to property, and is being held at the Greenwood County Detention Center.
Greenwood, South Carolina – A burglary incident led to the swift arrest of a suspect, William James Lott III, on Monday following a tense standoff with law enforcement. The Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office reported that the break-in occurred on Sheffield Road while the homeowner was away, prompting a swift response from local deputies.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies secured the premises and discovered that Lott was still inside the residence. The homeowner informed authorities that there were several weapons accessible to the suspect within the house. During the confrontation, Lott threatened to cause harm to himself and others if law enforcement intervened, raising concerns about the safety of everyone involved.
The tactical situation escalated, prompting the deployment of the SWAT team to assist the deputies at the location. To safely apprehend Lott, authorities resorted to using gas in the residence. Despite the tense circumstances, Lott was taken into custody without any injuries reported. Following his arrest, he faced charges for burglary in the second degree and malicious injury to property. Lott is currently being booked into the Greenwood County Detention Center and will face judicial proceedings related to the incident.
Details of the Incident
The initial report of the burglary came after security cameras captured Lott entering the property. His threats compounded the urgency of the situation, and the deployment of specialized units illustrates the seriousness with which law enforcement treated the potential risk.
Community Response
The Greenwood community has reacted with concern and support for the homeowner, who was away during the break-in. Incidents involving threats to personal safety can raise alarm within neighborhoods, often leading to increased vigilance among residents and discussions about safety measures.
Background on Burglary and Law Enforcement Protocols
Burglary is classified under various degrees, with second-degree burglary generally encompassing entering a residence with intent to commit a crime therein. This classification can result in serious legal repercussions, including significant prison time. In response to incidents involving potential violence, law enforcement agencies often deploy specialized teams such as SWAT, particularly when hostages or weapons are involved. This ensures the protection of the public, the suspects, and the officers involved.
Conclusion
As the legal process moves forward for William James Lott III, the Greenwood community remains on alert following this incident. Local law enforcement encourages residents to report suspicious activity and prioritize safety within their neighborhoods.
FAQ
- Who is William James Lott III?
- William James Lott III is the suspect arrested for burglary and related charges in Greenwood County, South Carolina.
- What charges is Lott facing?
- Lott is facing charges for burglary in the second degree and malicious injury to property.
- What actions did the law enforcement take during the incident?
- Law enforcement secured the scene and deployed a SWAT team, utilizing gas to apprehend the suspect without injury.
- Where is Lott being held?
- Lott is being booked into the Greenwood County Detention Center.
- What should residents do in similar situations?
- Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement and to take precautions regarding home security.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sheffield Road, Greenwood, SC |
| Suspect | William James Lott III |
| Charges | Burglary – Second Degree, Malicious Injury to Property |
| Law Enforcement Response | SWAT team deployed, gas used for apprehension |
| Status | In custody at Greenwood County Detention Center |
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Man Arrested After SWAT Responds to Burglary in Greenwood Co.
- WYFF4: Burglar Seen on Video in Greenwood
- Index Journal: Greenwood Police Arrest Three on Burglary Charges
- Wikipedia: Burglary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Burglary
Author: HERE Greenwood
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