An Anderson man is facing several charges after taking a 4 wheeler for a joy ride through Williamston and then wrecking it Friday night. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bennett, 32, 125 Gamewell Ct., Anderson was arrested for maliciouis damage to property, possession of a stolen firearm, failure to stop for a blue light and reckless driving after officers received a phone call about a male riding a four wheeler on Main Street who was weaving in and out of cars and driving recklessly. Officers observed the 4 wheeler on Greenville Drive near Burger King traveling back toward town at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner. While trying to initiate a traffic stop, the 4 wheeler kept going ignoring the officer and passing vehicles on the right side of the road. The 4 wheeler passed cars stopped at the intersection of Greenville Dr. and Hamilton and ran a red light at which point the chase was called off. Another officer began chasing the 4 wheeler on Anderson Drive where the 4 wheeler went through several yards then toward Glendale and Hardy Streets until it became stuck in a chain link fence at 33 Hardy St. The driver, identified as Bennett, was located nearby at 4 Glendale St. After being handcuffed, a black gun holster was found in his front waist band. Bennett was complaining of chest pain and was transported to AnMed. Highway Patrol was dispatched due to the wreck into the fence. While on the scene, officers were advised by Anderson County Sheriff’s Office that Deputies were with a the owner of a 4 wheeler who was making a larceny report of a stolen 4 wheeler which matched the description of the one Bennett was driving. During the investigation the owner told deputies he was trying to sell the 4 wheeler and gave Bennett permission to test drive the vehicle. K. Anthony, C. C. Brown investigated.
Williamston Police Officers also investigated the following incidents recently:
Feb. 7 – Tina Lee Martin, 45, 6231 Midway Rd., Williamston reported a hit and run incident at Walgreens, 201 East Main St., Martin told officers her 2017 Toyota SV was hit while she was inside the store. A witness reported a black and red Dodge Dakota driven by a white male with dirty blonde hair struck the vehicle. There was also a white female passenger. Damage to the front bumper of the Toyota was estimated at approximately $2000. D. R. Hart investigated.
Feb. 9 – Eugene Jackson King. Jr., 49, 2608 Amity Road, Belton was arrested for driving under suspension, operating an uninsured vehicle and having a tag registered to another vehicle after officers responded to a 911 hang up call at 4 Jehue St. While responding, a blue van was observed leaving the address and traveling at a slower than normal spped. The vehicle took a left onto E. Carolina St., and a traffic stop was initiated. The driver exited the van from the back rear tailgate hatch door. The driver, King, had a beginners permit which was suspended for cancellation of insurance. The expired tag came back to a 2008 Chevy Impala. King also did not have proof of insurance, registration or bill of sale for the vehicle, which was a Honda Van. King was transported to ACDC. K. Anthony investigated.
Feb. 10 – Sam Patterson, 303 Mill St., Williamston reported an orange 21- speed bicycle stolen from his carport. The Mongoose Montana bike has black handles and a yellowish evidence sticker from being recovered from Anderson County. The bike is valued at $125. T. L. Eichelberger investigated.
Jan. 18 – Quick Time Cash, 8 Greenville Dr., Williamston reported two subjects presented forged checks in the amount of $2490. The incident remains under investigation.
L. B. Culbertson investigated.
Feb. 3 – Aaron Joshua Ochart, 37, 108 Mill St., Williamston reported items stolen from a 2006 Honda Pilot including a Lounge Fly, Star Wars bag with baby Star Wars Characters valued at $65, a Harry Potter hand wallet valued at $40 and a Wells Fargo card. The card was used for purchase of $176.36 at the Walmart in Powdersville and a separate charge online for $225.20which did not go through. D. R. Hart investigated.