Authorities in Berkeley County have arrested an 18-year-old suspect in connection with a deadly armed robbery that took place Saturday night in Moncks Corner. Sheriff Duane Lewis confirmed that Harrison Charles Townsend of Nexton was taken into custody following rapid coordination between multiple law enforcement units. The arrest brings a critical breakthrough in a case that shocked the local community and left one man dead inside a neighborhood business.
The incident unfolded on November 15, just before 9:30 p.m., at Myers Market on Myers Road. According to officials, the store owner contacted dispatch after spotting a robbery in progress through his surveillance cameras. Deputies rushed to the location within minutes. When they arrived, they secured the scene and discovered a man had been fatally shot inside the store. The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office later identified the victim as 20-year-old Kymeek T. Traylor of Summerville.
Sheriff Lewis condemned the violence in strong terms, stating that Traylor had been fully compliant during the robbery when he was senselessly killed. “This was a heinous and senseless act of violence,” the sheriff said. “The victim was completely compliant during the robbery. The suspect showed a shocking disregard for human life, and this community will not tolerate such brutality.” Lewis praised the persistent investigative work that led to Townsend’s swift arrest.
Investigators say Townsend fled the scene immediately after the shooting, prompting an intensive manhunt. With assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, deputies were able to track the suspect and take him into custody soon after the incident. Officials have not yet released additional details regarding what led investigators to Townsend or whether any additional suspects may be involved.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains active as detectives continue collecting evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses connected to the case. Authorities are also working to determine the full sequence of events that occurred inside Myers Market and whether the suspect had any prior connection to the store or the victim. More information is expected as investigators move forward.
Community members have expressed grief and outrage over the killing of Traylor, whose death adds to growing concerns about violent crime in the region. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with further information to contact detectives at 843-719-4412. Officials say even small details may help bring additional clarity as the investigation continues.
