Chief: Social media posts concerning, not dangerous
Unseemly posts on social media after President-elect Joe Biden was declared the victor in last week’s presidential election did not rise to the threshold of criminality, said Laurens Police Chief Chrissie Lattimore.
Lattimore said the LPD received complaints about the posts from concerned residents. Afterward, the LPD posted on its own Facebook page, acknowledging the disturbing posts and urging community members to remain vigilant and safe.
The LPD late amended its post to say that it “does not believe there is a threat to the community of any kind.”
“It was a bunch of young kids,” Lattimore said. “They said something to the effect of ‘If Trump loses, maybe we need to start building a wall,’ or something along those lines. About seven or eight other people started posting just nasty vulgar stuff. The reason we addressed it was that we kept receiving complaints.”
Had there been actual threats on the social media posts or in the comments about it, those making them could have faced a variety of charges, but that is not the case, Lattimore said.
“It was nasty and disgusting, and they should be ashamed for saying it, but it did not cross the threshold into criminality,” she said. “Those messages did not appear to be a threat. It was stupid children’s chatter.”
Tracy Parsons
Suspect remains at large
The suspect in a home invasion and car theft on Highway 221 South in Laurens that occurred on Nov. 4 is still on the run and wanted by local authorities.
Tracy Parsons, 53, is suspected of breaking into the Laurens residence and assaulted the homeowner after being discovered in the home. Parsons, of Honea Path, is described as 5-foot-8, 185 pounds, balding with salt-and-pepper hair and blue eyes.
The stolen vehicle was recovered in West Virginia, but Parsons remained at large Tuesday. He could be driving a dark gray 2019 Ford F-150 Super Crew pickup with a West Virginia tag.
Parsons is considered by law enforcement as armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees Parsons is urged to call 911 and not to approach the suspect.
Stanley Reeder III
Attempted murder charged
A Clinton man charged with attempted murder was denied bond and is in the Johnson Detention Center after being arrested for shooting another person near Highway 221 and Lisbon Road.
Stanley Leroy Reeder III, 30, also faces harassment and unlawful communication charges in the Sept. 1 incident.
Michael Hudson
Report: Suspect rams LCSO vehicle
A Fountain Inn man was arrested Sunday after an altercation with deputies from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office.
Michael Thomas Bailey Hudson, 19, is charged with resisting arrest, failure to stop for a blue light and malicious damage to property.
According to reports, Hudson failed to stop when deputies attempted to pull him over. He then allegedly struck an LCSO patrol vehicle with his own vehicle. He remained in the Johnson Detention Center Tuesday.
