Recent Crime Wave Plagues Sumter County

In Sumter County, several young men are behind bars -- each charged in a recent crime spree that's plagued Sumter County residents.In total, deputies have investigated an arson and four drive-by shootings in eight days.And though deputies say the majority of the crimes aren't related to one another, there is a common thread, retaliatory violence.The connected crimes appear to have all been done in retaliation for something else. It's a streak authorities fear could result in even more injuries and deaths.The scorched siding and bullet riddled baseboards are clear reminders of a recent rash of crime plaguing Sumter County residents. Sheriff Tommy Mims is at a loss for a clear explanation -- or an effective solution.Says Sheriff Tommy Mims, "It seems like everybody wants to take the law into their own hands, like a vigilante, situation and take care of it themselves and that's definite the wrong thing to do."The string of vigilante crimes began with an arson at this home on Tumbleweed Court, around 5pm August 3rd. A half hour later the person police say started the fire, was shot in the leg. Graham Brown now faces arson charges, while Eric Wilson has been charged with assault and battery with intent to kill.The next day, a single shot rang out at this home on Belmont Drive. No one was injured, but deputies say the two suspects Rahiem Carter and Joshua Cogdell may have been the same men who -- August 8th -- shot a man in front of this house on Wayne Street, several blocks away. The victim recovered, but neither suspect has been caught.The most recent shooting took place early Sunday, at about 4:30am. 19- year old Alfonso Simon was killed, at home, shot in the head during a drive-by. But deputies say he was not the intended victim. Investigators belive the bullet was meant for his cousin who had fought with the alleged trigger man at Club OX, hours before. 24 year old Phillips Brooks has been charged with murder and conspiracy, while 23 year old Tyrus Archie and 21-year old Nicholas Reese have been charged as accessory and conspiracy."It all started because someone looked at the other person wrong," says Sheriff Mims, describing the common theme in each crime. "... in their words they 'dissed' these individual or disrepected them by the look they gave."Resident Robert Wallace is fearful, "It's just not safe anymore, no matter where you go now you gotta be on the lookout. You gotta look over your shoulder or you might catch a bullet."Sheriff Mims says he doesn't know why more of these types of crimes have occurred, but he does venture a guess. "Some folks, not all, may have lost confidence in the judicial system to meter out what they consider a just sentence," says Sheriff Mims.Whatever the reason, it's a dangerous, deadly trend where at least one resident has paid with his life, for simply stepping into the crossfire.Tonight deputies are still searching for the two men believed to be behind the August 4th and August 8th incidents.They are 21 year old Rahiem Carter and 20 year old Joshua Cogdell (pictured above). If you know of their whereabouts please contact the Sumter area Crimestoppers line -- at 1(803) 436- 2718.