A Columbia man is facing multiple charges in connection with armed robberies at two Lexington County motels last month.
According to arrest warrants, Carlos L’Eric Jaquan Smith, 19, was armed with a pistol when he robbed the Quality Inn on Piney Grove Road Oct. 6 and the Red Roof Inn off Saint Andrews Road Oct. 14. He’s charged with three counts of armed robbery, three counts of kidnapping and two counts of possessing a firearm during a felony.
“This arrest is another great example of how the public can be our eyes and ears in the community,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “We shared security cam video of both robberies and asked for help in identifying the suspects. Our detectives will continue to pursue those tips as they work to identify the other suspects in both robberies.”
Koon said the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, SLED and the U.S. Marshals Service assisted in Smith’s arrest. He’s being held at the Lexington County Detention Center while he awaits a bond hearing.
Anyone with information on these cases should contact the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at 803-785-2400 or Crimestoppers at 888-CRIME-SC. Anonymous tips can be submitted at www.LexingtonSheriff.com.