News Summary
Tapestry Inc., a women’s boutique in Clinton, is closed after a break-in resulted in significant damage, including an injured suspect’s arrest. Concurrently, a fatal shooting left a community in shock. Authorities are investigating both incidents, emphasizing public safety as they seek further details.
Clinton, SC – Tapestry Inc., a women’s boutique located in Clinton, is closed today following a break-in that occurred late Tuesday evening, causing significant damage to the store. The incident, which has left the boutique reeling, involved the suspect sustaining injuries during the break-in and subsequently being arrested.
The break-in, which took place around 11:00 p.m., resulted in damage to the front window and interior of Tapestry Inc., with reports indicating the presence of blood at the scene. Following the incident, the boutique announced that they are cooperating with mitigation services to assess and address the damage.
Erick Garcia Cardoso, a 27-year-old man from Clinton, has been identified as the suspect in the incident. Witnesses reported that Cardoso was injured while attempting to break into the store. He was apprehended by the authorities and subsequently transported to Laurens County Hospital for treatment of his injuries. After receiving medical care, he was taken to the Johnson Detention Center, where he faces charges that include burglary in the second degree and malicious injury to property estimated between $2,000 and $10,000.
In a separate, but equally alarming incident on the same evening, the Clinton Police Department responded to a shooting that occurred around 11:17 p.m. on Florence Street. Upon arrival, officers found a 69-year-old man, identified as Rufford Jones, lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services transported Jones to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Investigating officers detained 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner at the scene of the shooting. Viner is facing a murder charge and is currently held at the Johnson Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is involved in the ongoing investigation into the shooting incident.
Both the break-in at Tapestry Inc. and the fatal shooting of Rufford Jones have shocked the community of Clinton. The local police department has emphasized the importance of public safety and is actively working to gather more information regarding both incidents. The investigation into these serious crimes is ongoing, and the community is left to grapple with the repercussions of these events.
The closure of Tapestry Inc. following the break-in marks a troubling moment for the boutique, a business that is likely an integral part of the local economy. The owners expressed their shock over the event, highlighting the challenges facing small businesses during such unpredictable circumstances.
As the investigations continue, the city of Clinton awaits updates on both cases. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
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Additional Resources
- GoLaurens: Clinton Women’s Boutique Burglary
- WYFF4: Death Investigation Underway
- My Clinton News: Vic’s View – The New Industry
- Fox Carolina: Man Charged After Gunshot Victim Found
- Wikipedia: Clinton, South Carolina
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.
