COLUMBIA, SC (WLTX)  A 45-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a string of vehicle break-ins at The Farmers Telephone Cooperative in Sumter. 

Paul Anthony Smith, 45, of Sumter was arrested after detectives identified Smith as a suspect through evidence processed at the crime scene. 

An FTC employee reported December 29, 2012 that nine company vehicles had been broken into and a laptop and other equipment (valued at over $2000).  The forced entry to the vehicles caused an estimated $1750.00.   

According to Sumter police, Smith was arrested as he was trying to hide from law enforcement in a wooded area behind the apartment complex where he lives. 

Smith has been charged with nine counts of breaking & entering into automobiles.   Detectives say they are also looking into other break-ins that he may have been involved in and they are also looking into if he had an accomplice. 

Currently SMith is awaiting a bond hearing at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center. 

If you have any additional information concerning this incident you are asked to call CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC.