The West Columbia Police Department made an arrest in a car theft that occurred on August 20, 2019 in the City of West Columbia.

On August 20, 2019 at approximately 9:12 a.m. Officers received a call of a stolen vehicle that had just occurred. The vehicle was stolen from Lizard’s Thicket at 2234 Sunset Blvd in the City of West Columbia. An Officer responded to the scene while others were checking different areas of the City for the vehicle.

An Officer saw a vehicle matching the description at Riverbend Apartment Complex; upon approach, a white male suspect exited the vehicle and began to run on foot. After a short time, the Officer lost sight of the suspect. A perimeter was established very quickly, Lexington County Sheriff’s Office was called, they responded with a K-9 and road units.

At approximately 10:39 a.m. the suspect was in a wooded area just off the 700 block of Sunset Blvd.  Kenneth Ray Wooten, W/M, 42, of Swansea, was arrested and charged with Grand Larceny and Breaking into a Motor Vehicle.

We would like to thank Lexington County Sheriff’s Office for the quick response of their K9 unit. Without their assistance the suspect may have not been apprehended.

The Suspect will be held at the Lexington County Detention Center.

Please contact Asst. Chief Scott Morrison at 803-939-3187 for any further information.