Three Belton teenagers have been charged with the armed robbery and assault of a member of the homeless community. The incident happened July 27 on Station Drive in Anderson.
According to reports, Deputies were dispatched just before 6 pm in response to a 911 call reporting an assault in a parking lot. When they arrived, they found several individuals providing aid to a man who had sustained serious injuries.
Detectives are actively investigating the circumstances leading up to the attack and are following up on leads to identify those responsible.
The victim was hospitalized and is recovering from his injuries.
According to ACSO Public Information Officer Carrie Miller, after reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses, detectives determined that two of the suspects carried out the attack while a third suspect waited in a vehicle in a nearby parking lot.
Investigators determined that the third suspect acted as the getaway driver, quickly leaving the scene with the other two suspects after the assault.
Two of the suspects, both 17 years old, have been charge as adults and booked into the
Anderson County Detention Center.
Sheldon Almers, 17, of Belton has been charges with Accessory After the Fact for his role as the getaway driver. Kenneth Croegaert, 17, of Belton has been charged with Armed Robbery and Assault and Battery by Mob.
Because one of the suspects is 16 years old, his identity was not released. He will be charged through the SC Department of Juvenile Justice with Armed Robbery and Assault and Battery by Mob.
“No one, especially a vulnerable member of our community should ever have to endure such a senseless and violent attack,” said Sheriff Chad McBride. Mr. Holdt did not deserve what happened to him and we are committed to ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”
“I am incredibly proud of our detective for their relentless work on this investigation, as well as the members of our community who stepped forward with the information and offered assistance to Mr. Holdt. Their willingness to help demonstrates the kind of community we troubling to see teenagers beginning their adult lives by becoming involved in violent criminal behavior. Every young person has the opportunity to make better choices, and I hope these individuals will one day learn from the consequences of their actions and become productive, law-abiding citizens.”
