On March 30,, the West Columbia Police Department asked the community for assistance in identifying an individual who was caught on camera dumping tires on private property in the City of West Columbia. Due to a tip from the community, the West Columbia Police Department made an arrest in the case. PalmettoPride partnered with the Department to assist with this investigation. 

Carlton Earl Vant, 62, of West Columbia, was arrested and charged with illegal dumping of over 500 pounds. He was taken to the Lexington County Detention Center for a bond hearing.

Mayor Tem Miles stated, “It is a problem that anyone would intentionally litter on anyone else’s property, but the number of tires that were dumped on this property was unbelievable. I am so glad that this person has been caught. I hope it will serve as a warning to others that West Columbia takes littering seriously.”

The City of West Columbia, with the West Columbia Beautification Foundation, the Cayce-West Columbia Jaycees, Keep the Midlands Beautiful, and PalmettoPride is hosting a city-wide litter pick-up day this Saturday, April 17, 2021, from 9 AM – 12 PM. Sign-up in advance at http://bit.ly/LitterPickup.

For additional information contact Assistant Chief Scott Morrison at (803) 939-3187.