843. 918. 1382

News Release Jan. 20, 2020

Myrtle Beach, SC – MBPD has one person in custody in connection with several vehicle break-ins. Richard Scott Parnell, 48, of Lancaster, SC, is charged with 15 counts of Burglary Auto and his bond was set at $1.5 million dollars. Additional charges are possible. We ask that our community continue to be involved in the shared responsibility in public safety. It is your right to address the court during bond hearings and help us keep our city safe.

The evidence in these cases shows that these crimes were not just crimes of opportunity and that Parnell targeted purses or bags left in plain sight on the vehicle seat or floorboard. Valuable items within the glove box and/or dashboard were not taken. Parnell shattered the windows of the vehicles and fled with the stolen property within a matter of seconds. Parnell is a danger to society, as several similar incidents have taken place over multi-jurisdictions within a two-week time frame, and a potential flight risk due to having no known ties to the Myrtle Beach area.

Detective Billy Porter is lead investigator on the case and anyone with additional information is asked to contact him directly at 843-918-1912.

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