News Summary
A break-in at Tapestry Inc., a women’s boutique in Clinton, SC, has left the store closed due to significant damage and ongoing investigations. The suspect, Erick Garcia Cardoso, was arrested after sustaining injuries during the incident. He faces serious charges while the boutique expresses shock over the event. In a separate incident, a shooting occurred on the same night, raising safety concerns in the community amid ongoing power outages. Local authorities are investigating both cases and urging residents to remain vigilant.
Clinton Woman’s Boutique Closed Due to Break-In; Suspect Arrested Following Shooting Incident
Clinton, SC – Tapestry Inc., a women’s boutique located at 513 North Broad St., is currently closed following a late Tuesday evening break-in that caused extensive damage to the establishment. The damage includes a shattered front window and smeared blood found inside the store, prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement.
According to Clinton Police Chief Michael Addison, the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Erick Garcia Cardoso from Clinton, broke into the boutique and sustained injuries during the incident. Following the break-in, police apprehended Cardoso, who was then transported by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Laurens County Hospital for treatment of his injuries. After being discharged, he was taken into custody and located at the Johnson Detention Center.
Cardoso faces charges of burglary in the second degree and malicious injury to property, with damages exceeding $2,000 but less than $10,000. The boutique expressed its shock over the incident on social media, apologizing to customers for the inconvenience of the store’s closure. The exact timeline and details of the break-in remain under investigation by local authorities.
Connected Shooting Incident
Separately, on the same evening, Clinton police responded to a shooting reported on Florence Street around 11:17 p.m. Officers discovered 69-year-old Rufford Jones lying in the roadway with gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel transported Jones to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Police detained 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, who was present at the scene and is now facing murder charges. Viner is currently held at the Johnson Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has stepped in to assist with the investigation of the crime scene.
Broader Context of Crime and Community Impact
These incidents highlight ongoing concerns regarding safety and security within the Clinton community. Both crimes occurred on the same day as significant power outages affecting over 11,000 customers in western North Carolina, indicating a possibly heightened state of unrest. Local officials are calling for community support and vigilance in ensuring safety as they navigate through this challenging time.
The break-in at Tapestry Inc. marks a troubling trend that many businesses face as they strive to provide a safe environment for customers and staff. As the investigation unfolds, the boutique is expected to remain closed until further assessments and repairs can be conducted.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities and to stay informed through local channels regarding updates on both the burglaries and the associated shooting incident. The Clinton Police Department continues to investigate both occurrences and is dedicated to maintaining peace and safety in the area.
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Additional Resources
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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
