was arrested Monday by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the South Carolina Attorney General's Office Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) They say Irvine distributed files of child sexual abuse material MORE: Shell-abrate sea turtle nesting season by keeping beaches clean and quiet Irvine was charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor each count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office (WPDE) — A Hartsville police officer is ok after being briefly involved in a chase around 4 a.m Thursday with a person believed to be driving a stolen vehicle according to the City of Hartsville Communications and Public Information Director Brown said the officers chose not to continue the pursuit one of the police vehicles had a tire blowout and struck an old fence post off the roadway South Carolina Highway Patrol completed an incident report but since there were no injuries and minimal damage (WPDE) — A pedestrian died after being struck by a car Wednesday night on Marquis Highway and 5th Street near Hartsville according to Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee MORE: Police responding to shooting incident in Dillon The collision occurred at around 9:45 p.m. according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) A 2007 Chevy SUV was traveling north when it struck the pedestrian The incident remains under investigation by SCHP (WPDE) — One person died in a house fire Tuesday night on West Old Camden Road near Hartsville Community members said Darlington County EMS and deputies with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office are responded to the scene MORE: Child and grandfather hit by car while riding mini-bike; 18-year-old driver arrested Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee said a 68-year-old woman died in the fire Hardee said special agents with the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been called into investigate the fire He added it’s standard procedure to call in SLED to help investigate deadly fires (WPDE) — Deputies are investigating another robbery at Darlington County Dollar General Deputies were on scene Saturday evening at the Dollar General on North Marquis Highway near Hartsville Darlington County Sheriff Michael August said it’s the second time the store has been robbed in the past month (WPDE) — Deputies are searching for two suspects in connection to an armed robbery Saturday night at a Dollar General according to Jordyn Jefferson with the Darlington County Sheriff's Office Deputies said two men were armed and ambushed the Dollar General employees taking out the trash and forced them back into the store After the suspects couldn't get to the safe the suspects stole several cash trays from the register and left the area The suspects were described by deputies as follows: READ NEXT: 1 suffering 'critical injuries' after shooting in Horry Co. The incident happened on Marquis Highway in the Hartsville area Darlington County Sheriff Michael August said the robbery happened around closing time If you have any information on the suspects you're asked to call the DCSO at 843-398-4501 You can also leave an anonymous tip on darlingtoncountysheriffsoffice.com Jefferson said this is an ongoing investigation (WPDE) — A man convicted in the 2020 Hartsville shooting filed a post-conviction relief asking for the court to throw out his 51-year prison sentence is asking for the court to throw out his sentence of 36 years for voluntary manslaughter and 15 years in prison for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature RELATED: Man sentenced to 51 years in Hartsville mass shooting at Mac's Lounge This comes after he pled guilty last March in the January 2020 shooting at Mac's Lounge in Hartsville six people were shot and three of them died McCall shot and killed 29-year-old Bryan Robinson and 21-year-old Decapio Collins Darius Dickey was found guilty in January of 2024 and sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 20-year-old Garrett Bahksh McCall and Dickey were involved in a shootout with each other when the six victims were hit in the crossfire An arrest warrant against McCall said he "did with malice aforethought discharge a firearm at the victim Witnesses identified McCall and observed McCall discharge said firearm at the victim striking him in the head area This occurred during an altercation at Mac's Lounge." He filed the PCR this week saying his lawyer was ineffective and due to his counsel’s errors he would’ve insisted on going to trial instead of pleading guilty According to the South Carolina Attorney General's Office a PCR proceeding is a "collateral attack on a criminal conviction." It’s not clear when McCall’s PCR filing will be heard McCall has to serve at least 85% of his sentence before he's eligible for parole (WPDE) — Community members came out Saturday morning to call attention to violent crime on the rise in Hartsville and march against violence Anti-violence groups and activists marched down Poole Street in hopes of one day bringing a stop to violent crimes they have all kinds of affordance in which you can do it,” said Darlington city councilwoman Elaine Reed Those who marched today wore shirts of loved ones lost to violent crimes Many of whom shared experiences of losing someone to violent crimes or gun violence READ NEXT: Stars & Stripes gala highlights veteran care, aims to raise $250,000 Reed is seeking cease-fire zones across the community to prevent gun violence The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and Hartsville police teamed up forming a street crimes unit about two months ago they’ve made many arrests to make Darlington County a safer place Darlington County Chief Deputy Clifton Howle said the violence has to stop Hartsville— we’re all going to work as one because when you stand as one And we’re going to share information; we’re going to work together so we have had enough of this violence READ NEXT: Socastee Heritage Festival draws thousands, honors late chairman Reed said the community must come together to put a stop to violent crimes Darlington County deputies encourage community members to use this anonymous tip line to make them aware of any crimes that may be happening in the area (WPDE) — More than 60 MINI Coopers tailgated from Charlotte to Hartsville as part of rally on Sunday The drivers stopped at Yogi Bear's restaurant on South Fifth Street in Hartsville an eatery known for their honey fried chicken These MINI Coopers been driving down to the former All America City for the past three years to eat at Yogi Bear's and enjoy the city "It's good for the city. Because they'll go and spend dollars other places today. They'll make a whole day out of it. Last time they came, they went all over Hartsville. So, it's exciting for the town. It's exciting for me. Always good business," said George Atkins, Yogi Bear's Owner. Some of those with the MINI Cooper rally said they enjoy driving to Hartsville every year. In fact, a few people said they make a special stop to the city every summer on their way to Myrtle Beach. READ MORE1 dead in crash near Hartsvilleby Gianna Forbis (WPDE) — South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed a fatal car crash that happened early Friday morning where a car hit a traffic pole near Hartsville Two people were injured and taken to the hospital has notified residents of reopened roads after being closed for firefighting operations on Tuesday morning Crews are battling three separate fires on Tuesday morning in Hartsville Flowers said the mobile home on Creekside Road caught fire and burned as well as an old apartment building near Pee Dee Fleet on Marquis Highway He added that the flames caused a considerable amount of damage to both properties he said East Home Avenue has reopened between Damascus Church Road and McFarland Road "I was thinking more about my stepdaughter and her kids in the house next door that was my main thing," said Ronnie O'Neal Crews had heir hands full because they were battling two other fires at the same time Flames leveled an old apartment building on Marquis Highway and there is nothing left but the frame of a mobile home on Crestview Drive Jessica Barnett and her husband live just a few houses down from the fire on Crestview They said a number of homes have mysteriously gone up in flames in the community within the past six months "I'm not seeing any of these fires downtown Where places that have these dwellings that are not inhabitable I'm hoping police will figure out what's going on Before someone gets hurt," said Barnett ABC15 is still waiting to hear an official cause of the fire from officials Officers said the fires appear to be suspicious Somebody is going around burning these places," said O'Neal and Darlington County Sheriff's Office are investigating the fires and plan to release a statement in the coming days (WPDE) — Tykem Savon Hickson was arrested for unlawful possession of a stolen firearm unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and unlawful carrying of a firearm at Carolina Pines Hospital in Hartsville Tuesday we are aware that a discharged patient has been arrested on gun charges," Hartsville City Director of Communication Michelle Byers Brown said Tuesday whose records show is currently out on a personal recognizance bond for a murder charge in Sumter was arrested by the Hartville Police Department after HPD was contacted by a member of the public about suspicious activity RELATED: Patient arrested on gun charges at Hartsville hospital, officials say Three other people of interest are being sought (pictured below), and HPD is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying them. If you have any information on the 3 subjects in the picture, please contact the Hartsville Police Department at 843-383-3011 or the Anonymous Hartsville Tip Line 843-951-0071. READ MOREMore tested in Hartsville High School tuberculosis investigationby Tonya Brown Department of Public Health (DPH) said in an email that they've "tested 280 individuals as part of the Hartsville High School" Tuberculosis (TB) investigation." The agency added these individuals "are not contagious and are taking antibiotics to treat the infection and ensure they don't become contagious with active TB disease." MORE: NASCAR driver teams up with troopers, teaches Florence students impaired driving dangers DHP said the initial laboratory-confirmed case of active TB disease is isolating and receiving antibiotics to cure their disease Officials explained what happens with TB testing from start to finish ABC15 is following updates on the investigation (WPDE) — Crews are battling a wild or woods fire Monday afternoon along the 1300 block of Ruby Road just outside of Hartsville in Darlington County The South Carolina Forestry Commission listed the fire on their website's dashboard of active fires Approximately 40 acres were burned with no damage to homes or other properties and no injuries MORE: 2 in custody following chase in Florence Darlington County Sheriff Michael August confirmed that deputies are on the scene of a shooting Sunday night on Hunter Drive near Hartsville August said officers are in the early stages of the investigation He added that more information will be released as soon as they gathered all the facts of what led up to the incident (WPDE) — Officials are investigating a shooting near Hartsville on Monday afternoon near Legette Drive off Centerville Road according to Darlington County Sheriff Michael August As the investigation is in its early stages This is the second shooting in Darlington County that has called for response in the past 17 hours TRENDING: Man expected to soon stand trial in Darlington Co. double murder On Sunday night, a man was shot on Hunter Drive near Hartsville. August said one person has been taken to the hospital, and there is no public safety threat. Investigators are talking with witnesses. The matter remains under investigation. President Donald Trump makes a major sports announcement. The announcement comes amid reports Washington, D.C. will host the 2027 NFL Draft. WATCH1 dead after collision in Hartsvilleby Caroline Surface (WPDE) — One person is dead after a collision in Hartsville on Saturday according to the Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee Lena Butler with the South Carolina Highway Patrol said the crash happened around 2 p.m A 2013 Chrysler 300 was travelling southbound and a 2016 Kia Soul was travelling northbound on SC Highway 151 but the two passengers were transported to the hospital READ NEXT: Man found dead at Darlington carwash; coroner rules death a homicide The driver and passenger of the vehicle were injured and transported to a hospital was the passenger in the Kia Soul and succumbed to their injuries The accident happened near Fourth Street and Highway 151 (WPDE) — Four Hartsville police officers received one of the state’s most prestigious recognitions in law enforcement for their Justin Hayden has been awarded the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association Life Saving Award They received the award last week during a Hartsville City Council meeting The award was presented by John “JJ” Jones Director of the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association This distinguished award is given to South Carolina law enforcement officers whose exceptional courage and swift decisive action directly result in saving the life of another “These acts often take place under extreme pressure and require a level of composure and commitment that goes well beyond the routine call of duty,” the release said The Hartsville Police Department congratulates these outstanding officers and thanks the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association for recognizing their heroism The release said the officers’ service is a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact of law enforcement and the deep responsibility they carry in protecting our community every day (WPDE) — Police arrested a discharged patient Tuesday afternoon at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center on Bobo Newsome Highway in Hartsville according to Hartsville City Director of Communication Michelle Byers Brown we are aware that a discharged patient has been arrested on gun charges," Brown added MORE: Grand Strand's homeless population is large, growing, charity says She said the Hartsville Police Department is investigating the situation and will provide more information as it becomes available This work, Renovations ahead at South Carolina National Guard Hartsville Readiness Center, by Stephen Hudson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. READ MOREBond denied again for Hartsville man charged in 2 fatal overdoses at his homeby Tonya Brown one who died in September of 2023 and the other who died in December of 2023 Hartsville Police Chief Byron Snellgrove said last April that they arrested Brown following an extensive investigation "We had two deaths in Chad‘s house over the last year Both of them were overdoses of illegal drugs," said Snellgrove "We felt like we had received information that Chad had provided those drugs to the people that had overdosed and died in his house It’s not a coincidence that two people overdose and die at the same location There’s got to be something going on there And we were able to come up with enough evidence to show we believe will show in court that Chad provided the substances to the people that overdosed at his house And that’s something that we just can’t have here in Hartsville Lesheay Hutchinson said her 41-year-old brother Todd Lynn Oliver was one of the men who died Brown's lawyer argued that he should be released on bond to get help for his drug addiction and he's been in jail for 270 days without any indication as to when a trial will be held Gibbons agreed that a timeline for a trial needs to be established but said Brown's prior record is too extensive and considered him to be a danger to the community Glenn Campbell Detention Center in Darlington County (WPDE) — The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged Queen Viola Arthur with Presenting a False Claim for Insurance on Jan The investigation into Arthur's claim was requested by the South Carolina Department of Insurance RELATED: Laurinburg Waffle House murder suspect arrested in Virginia She is charged with presenting a false insurance claim greater than $2,000 but less than $10,000 Arthur was booked into the Darlington County Detention Center Her case will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Department of Insurance (WPDE) — Hartsville City Council recently released its 2025 master plan that highlights improvements to the city The 2025 master plan highlights projects to improve the city over the next decade The city of Hartsville intends to accommodate residents through its 2025 master plan the city council hired consultants along with professionals in municipal design development to help the city get feedback From the feedback received– the Hartsville master plan aims to focus on city priorities such as– economic growth revitalization and making the city more walkable Meghan Smith who moved to Hartsville from Connecticut two years ago MORE: Myrtle Beach festival draws 30,000 with food trucks and live music She says something she’s noticed in her time here is a lack of sidewalks for pedestrians Smith shares her concern for the lack of sidewalks that put pedestrians in danger “Pedestrians being hit traffic sometimes being an inconvenience because of people walking and we have to be careful while you’re riding through and you know it’s just an overall safety concern," Smith added ABC 15 also spoke with Hartsville major Casey Hancock who says making the city more accessible and safer is a priority in the city’s 2025 master plan Hancock says in the coming months a multimodal path is intended to be built down Washington Street connecting east Hartsville from Fourth Street over to 14th Street What’s currently being worked on is the design for a walking path on Fourth Street and the council is planning how it will be funded Hartsville mayor says if there are any concerns from the public that haven’t been addressed you are to contact the city council (WPDE) — Kasey Wolfe and Karlie Felkel said they couldn't help but think that something bad may have happened to their mother Her daughters said they couldn't stop worrying about their mother I feel like it's just a circle that we keep running in Not hearing anything," said Karlie Felkel The daughters said it's not like their mother to stay away this long without calling them They've even searched for her on their own We’ve gotten information from people that may be leading to important things That needs to be taken seriously," said Wolfe The women have expressed their serious concerns about the investigation and whether the Darlington County Sheriff's Office is doing enough to find their mother "I’m feeling like they’re not prioritizing the case Because it’s taking them so long to access the resources whatever they need to do to be able to help find my mom," said Wolfe TRENDING: Florence County man accused of burning girlfriend's hands Officials with the Darlington County Sheriff's Office told ABC15 that the missing person's report for Felkel wasn't filed until two weeks after she went missing but her family said it was filed eight days after she went missing They said a few investigators have been assigned to the case and are following up on every lead that comes in Deputies added they've interviewed people and plan to talk with some people Friday in Chesterfield County who have information about Felkel Wolfe and Felkel said they've put out flyers in the community announcing a reward for information about their mother's disappearance They said they couldn't and wouldn't rest until they knew what happened to their mother it's just eerie that knowing that when I do leave home "I am just trying to remain calm and do everything that I can do to help my mama right now," said Wolfe If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Cassidy "Shamra" Felkel you're urged to call the Darlington County Sheriff's Office at 843-398-4501 Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInHARTSVILLE (WMBF)— New details are shining light on what prompted Hartsville schools to lock down and a heightened police presence in city limits The Hartsville Police Department said Darlington County deputies responded to shots fired in the county limits at the 1200 block of 5th Street more shots were reported in the area of Lakeview and North 5th Street HPD investigators were able to find the suspect vehicle the driver sped off and eventually crashed on Green Street the suspect fired at the officers and then ran away the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Highway Patrol set up a perimeter investigators were able to arrest two more suspects at a Dollar General on West Carolina Avenue the schools in the area were placed on lockdown around 2:50 p.m. The three suspects and their charges have not been released at this time The six page incident report contains a paragraph of the officer's narrative of what happened: The report list those arrested as 18-year-old Ty’Sean Coe 20-year-old Miyon Joshua Mungo and 19-year-old Brandon Devon Davis They’re each charged with attempted murder possession of a weapon during a violent crime Davis is also charged with failure to stop for a blue light and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and Mungo is also charged with a firearm by a convicted felon (WPDE) — Darlington County Council held a meeting on Monday night to discuss updates on Hartsville Center Theatre renovations Renovations to the historic center theatre in Hartsville have already been done in recent years and they will hopefully bring in more revenue Downtown Hartsville has been home to the Center Theater since 1935 The theater is known for hosting theater performances the theatre has undergone an extensive renovation project carried out in multiple stages some of which include changes to the roof and lighting system Leaking walls caused extensive interior water damage to the building and to the roof renovation At Monday's Darlington County Council meeting building commission chairman Ben Gore shared updates on the theatre’s renovation “All of this construction is very sequential; we can’t do one thing until we get the next thing done— so to speak," Ben Gore we can’t put the seats in until we get the floor down; the flooring has a cost impact you can see it right there.” Seats in the lower part of the theatre have been removed Gore said remodeling would allow for additional seating while also making the space ADA-compliant The cost of new seating is expected to be around $270,0000 The current seating capacity is 853 people the facility will expand to seat 900 people “Seating capacity is your revenue; every time you sell a seat County Councilman Kirk Askins suggested that the council help Hartsville Theatre so it can reopen to the public sooner rather than later I would really like to discuss using some hospitality dollars that we have available to help pitch in on this and get them finished," Askins said the theatre's funding for the upgrades was about two million dollars and was secured by donations and grants (WPDE) — One person is in the hospital with injuries after being attacked by multiple dogs on Blair Road Wednesday Darlington County Deputies responded to a call about several dogs attacking an individual Darlington County Animal Control took the dogs and they are currently being quarantined TODAY: Public help leads to arrest in Robeson Co. Mexican restaurant break-ins This case is currently under investigation by the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office along with the 4th Circuit Solicitors Office Updates will be provided as they become available (WPDE) — Many people are upset and baffled over the firing of the longtime Hartsville fire chief and two other firemen due to what the city is calling policy violations Burr had been with the department for 39 years The City of Hartsville Director of Tourism & Communication's Public Information Officer Michelle Byers Brown released the following statement: "The City of Hartsville announces that Fire Chief Jeff Burr and Assistant Chief Jason Bell are no longer with the Hartsville Fire Department were released today due to policy violations." City Manager Daniel Moore released the following to all City Staff on Wednesday morning “We at the City of Hartsville are accountable for all the dollars spent as stewards of taxpayers' money We take the roles and responsibilities entrusted to us extremely seriously Please take a look at the attached documents to re-familiarize yourself with our Purchasing Policy The City will not tolerate any deviation from them Police Chief Byron Snellgrove will oversee Public Safety operations for both Police and Fire Departments during the transition period Chief Snellgrove brings a wealth of experience having previously served as the Public Safety Director for the City of Cayce where he was responsible for the administration of both police and fire services We are confident in Chief Snellgrove’s ability to ensure the continued safety and well-being of Hartsville’s residents while we work through this transitional period." Some community members said Burr and Bell are excellent firemen who dedicated much of their lives to the city They question what kind of violation could be so bad that a mere warning or reprimand wouldn't suffice I don't think it's right," said David Lighty of Hartsville Dozens of others have taken to social media to voice their concerns "This is a complete loss for the city and surrounding communities Jeff Burr and Jason Bell are outstanding men and leaders This is void that will be hard to replace." others said they trust city leaders and believe they're doing what's best for the department and community ABC15 has sent a Freedom of Information request to the city to learn more about the specifics of the policy violations Burr confirmed to ABC15 that he wasn't with the fire department as of Wednesday but said he's not commenting at this time (WPDE) — Hartsville City Council members held a special meeting Tuesday morning to talk about a number of issues including the city's 2025 Master Plan and strategic planning The master plan's goal "builds a city where growth is inclusive and all residents feel valued," while representing a shared vision for a brighter "Hartsville will never reach its full potential until all of Hartsville looks like the best of Hartsville And this plan goes so far toward that goal And that would be a forever goal," said Hartsville Mayor Casey Hancock The 2025 Master Plan serves as Hartsville's strategic guide for smart The plan centers around four key priorities that seeks to ensure balanced development across all neighborhoods Implement new business incentives to attract companies and support entrepreneurs Focus on key development areas to bring jobs and investment closer to residents Strengthen workforce training programs to enhance job accessibility affordable housing while preserving Hartsville’s character Revitalize aging neighborhoods to maintain quality housing and community stability Promote smart growth strategies for vibrant Update zoning to encourage mixed-use developments Enhance downtown and neighborhood centers for better connectivity Strengthening & Revitalizing South Hartsville Provide resources and support for small businesses Engage the community in shaping their neighborhood’s future MORE: 1 arrested, 1 cited for violating Horry County burn ban The city's comprehensive plan was adopted by City Council in January 2021 and outlines Hartsville’s long-term vision for economic development “I am proud to say that Hartsville remains in an excellent financial position I was pleased to announce that our city had earned a city-level credit rating of A+ I am especially excited to report that we maintain that rating and are responsible for this expansion," Casey Hancock Mayor Hancock will speak more on the 2025 Master Plan and other major initiatives and projects during his State of the City 2025 Thursday at 6 p.m at the Center Theater at 212 North Fifth Street in downtown Hartsville (WPDE) — The City of Hartsville has been selected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a $500,000 grant to take a close look at properties to determine if they are Brownfields or contaminated sites Hartsville is one of only two cities in South Carolina selected for the grant The EPA said the money will help "States local governments and non-profit organizations assess and clean up polluted brownfield sites across the country." A news release says the investments through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs seek to transform once-polluted vacant and abandoned properties into community assets while creating good jobs and spurring economic revitalization in overburdened communities Around 180 communities will receive 183 grant awards totaling $233 million through the EPA’s MAC Grant Programs The City of Hartsville will use the $500,000 to assess and clean up polluted and vacant Brownfield sites including properties contaminated by hazardous substances Hartsville City Manager Daniel Moore said the study or assessment will eventually transform the community RELATED: $72M beach renourishment project aims to protect SC coastline and boost tourism "We can use this to transform locations throughout the city Do you see some kind of buildings that are older And you know that there are some issues on them we are often approached about different areas and this just opens up ability for us to an active participant in making sure these things happen," Moore said EPA’s Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.7 billion in Brownfield Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse Moore said the funding awarded to Hartsville will be instrumental in conducting environmental site assessments and preparing cleanup plans for brownfield sites within the city alongside funding community outreach activities Hartsville Mayor Casey Hancock expressed enthusiasm for the grant “This funding is a game-changer for Hartsville It allows us to tackle long-standing environmental and economic challenges and paves the way for a brighter future for all our residents We are committed to making Hartsville better than it has to be and this tremendous economic driver will help us achieve that goal.” Moore said the initial funding is part of the first two phases which will be followed by additional grants to help cleanup properties determined to be brownfields He added the City of Hartsville extends its gratitude to the EPA for this opportunity and to all community partners involved in this initiative Moore said the significant funding will catalyze the transformation of several key areas in Hartsville improving the environmental health of our community and stimulating economic growth by attracting new businesses and residents the county certainly has tools at its disposal We're more into the community development side of it is to make sure we can be a community development team We want to make sure that in addition to trying to bring in new business we talk with new businesses often about trying to locate here It's all a part of our economic development plan," said Moore The city will host a discussion on the use of the Brownfield Grant Thursday 2025 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers inside Hartsville City Hall For more information about Brownfields, please see: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields For more information about Hartsville's Brownfield Grant: https://www.hartsvillesc.gov/92928-2/ (WMBF) - Officials said a Hartsville man pled guilty this week to charges that included him setting fire to cotton bales The Fourth Circuit Solicitors Office said 28-year-old James Dees Jr pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary and third-degree arson A judge sentenced the Dees to 10 years in prison suspended to five years in prison and three years probation following his release Prosecutors said Dees entered a property without permission in August 2019 and committed larceny Dees entered the SP Coker Cotton Gin and set fire to bales of cotton The arson was captured on video and Dees was arrested a short time later in the same burned clothes from the video The solicitor’s office said Dees will serve his sentence at a yet-to-be-determined prison in South Carolina (WPDE) — A shooting investigation is underway on Persimmons Drive near Hartsville according to Darlington County Sheriff Mike August The victim has been taken to the hospital for treatment TRENDING: Teen killed in Laurinburg shooting ABC 15 is being told deputies are looking for a car involved in the shooting August added they’re in the early stages of the investigation Dominique Brown was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Trafficking Cocaine 1st Offense Lorenzo Brown was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine 3rd Offense Simple Possession of Marijuana 2nd Offense and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person Quantavis Harris was charged with Possession of Cocaine (Credit: Darlington County Sheriffs Office) (WPDE) — A Darlington County drug bust ended in the arrest of three people on Tuesday according to a release from the Darlington County Sheriff's Office Officials conducted a search warrant off East Carolina Avenue in the Hartsville area of Darlington County TRENDING: 20-year-old murder of Lake City woman spawns third death investigation Dominique Brown was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and trafficking cocaine in the first offense. Lorenzo Brown was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine in the third offense, simple possession of marijuana in the second offense, and possession of ammunition of a prohibited person. Quantavis Harris was charged with possession of cocaine. More charges may follow as the investigation remains active. If you have any other information, please contact the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office at 843-398-4501. READ MORELongtime Hartsville fire chief & 2 others released due to policy violations and a third member of the fire department have been released due to policy violations Several community members reached out to ABC15 asking if there had been any changes to the department The City of Hartsville Director of Tourism & Communication Public Information Officer Michelle Byers Brown released the following statement: were released today due to policy violations." We are confident in Chief Snellgrove’s ability to ensure the continued safety and well-being of Hartsville’s residents while we work through this transitional period Burr has been with the fire department for nearly 20 years (WPDE) — An minor incident involving a child is being investigated on Friday morning according to Hartsville Director of Communication Michelle Byers Brown A child was hit or grazed by a car on Friday morning outside North Hartsville Elementary School TRENDING: 1 child dead, 3 others injured in Robeson Co. house fire The Darlington County School District released the following statement which said during school drop-off at North Hartsville Elementary School a student was struck by a slow-moving vehicle on a street close to the school the child was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.” (WMBF) - The City of Hartsville said its fire chief and two others have been fired In a statement provided to WMBF News on Wednesday Assistant Chief Jason Bell and a third person “were released today due to policy violations." A memo to city staff was also sent Wednesday from Hartsville City Manager Daniel Moore stating the following: “We at the City of Hartsville are accountable for all the dollars spent as stewards of taxpayers' money The City will not tolerate any deviation from them.” City officials said Hartsville Police Chief Byron Snellgrove will oversee operations for both the Hartsville Police Department and Hartsville Fire Department during the transition period The city said it is “confident in Chief Snellgrove’s ability to ensure the continued safety and well-being of Hartsville’s residents while we work through this transitional period.” (WPDE) — Officials with the Darlington County Sheriff's Office are reporting four vehicles stolen from V's Classic Cars in the Hartsville area individuals entered the building and proceeded to steal the four vehicles including three slingshots and one side-by-side TRENDING: 'It was all a con job:' Horry Co. couple talks contractor fraud, tips for prevention The description of each stolen vehicle is below: If you have any information on the stolen vehicles please contact the Darlington County Sheriff's Office at 843-398-4501 (WPDE) — A pedestrian has been killed after being hit by a car Monday evening on Carolina Avenue in Hartsville According to the Hartsville City Public Information Officer the fatal traffic collision involved a vehicle and a bicyclist TRENDING: Suspect stabs child's mother & flees scene with child in Florence: Police Hardee said he is headed to the scene and will release more information later Monday night were let go Wednesday due to policy violations City officials said based on the recommendation of its attorney they’ve sought assistance from SLED to review the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of three firefighters including Chief Burr and Assistant Chief Bell “We are committed to transparency and will share additional information as it becomes available SLED will guide us as they proceed with their investigation.” "Police Chief Byron Snellgrove will oversee Public Safety operations for both Police and Fire Departments during the transition period Burr confirmed to ABC 15 that he wasn't with the fire department as of Wednesday (WMBF) - As temperatures begin falling further inland one Pee Dee city says it’s opening a warming shelter LATEST FORECAST | FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAY issued Wednesday for inland ice threat The City of Hartsville said Tuesday that Second Baptist Church plans to open its warming shelter starting at 4 p.m The church is located at 220 West Washington Street The city also said the shelter will remain open daily from 10 a.m “while the weather remains dangerously cold and as resources allow.” the city said Mayor Casey Hancock spoke with the church’s pastor - who said they have enough food stored to get them through the first day The city said it was grateful to the church for opening its doors and to the donors who have supported the shelter Anyone with questions is asked to call the church at 843-332-5001 House of Hope is also opening its facilities in Florence as a shelter with free transportation provided through PDRTA ATTENTION: Warming Shelter Update \n\nAs we face another few days of freezing weather this week