Top Stories

Officers arrest man in “chop shop” operation, recover 3 stolen vehicles

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–According to Dan Moon, a spokesperson with the Berkeley Co. Sheriff’s Office, a joint investigation by his department and the Summerville Police Department has led to the arrest of one person and the recovery of three stolen vehicles.

Pictured: Samuel Cooper III
Pictured: Samuel Daniel Cooper III

Moon says the two agencies were conducting an investigation into the location of several stolen vehicles in the Pringletown area of Berkeley County when the suspect, Samuel Daniel Cooper III, 51, was observed driving and in possession of a 2013 Dodge Ram pickup truck that was reported stolen from the Summerville Police Departments jurisdiction.

During the execution of a search warrant at 1250 Old Gilliard Rd. Ridgeville, S.C., where the suspect was residing, a 2013 Chrysler 300 was located.  It also had been reported stolen out of Summerville’s jurisdiction.

With the assistance of Agent Tim Buckhannon from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Moon says a utility trailer and a third vehicle, a Bobcat skid steer loader, were found and identified as being reported stolen from North Charleston. Illegal narcotics were also reportedly located on the premises.

The total value of the recovered vehicles and utility trailer is approximately $108,000.00

Cooper is charged with three (3) counts of receiving and possessing stolen vehicles, one (1) count of receiving and possession of stolen goods, two (2) counts involving the operation of a “chop shop” and one (1) count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

He is being held at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center with his bond being set at $140,000.00.

Nikki Gaskins Campbell
Follow Me

Comments are closed.