The Screw Bandit has flung his last screw and nail! For months, residents in one South Carolina county lived in terror of a possible popped tire or flat along the roadway.
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Okay, that sounds a little dramatic, but as someone who has been stranded on the side of the road, there's nothing worse than running over a screw or nail. According to
authorities in Kershaw County, one South Carolina man made it his mission to introduce a little chaos to his fellow local commuters.For months, he would allegedly litter the roadways near Elgin Estates in Kershaw County with screws and nails. Well, after a three-month investigation, authorities nailed their man. The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office confirmed the Screw Bandit is in custody.
That's what they claim, 38-year-old Michael David Branham of Columbia, to be. With the help of the Richland County Sheriff's Department and SLED's Fugitive Apprehension Team, the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office arrested him at a job site.
The Screw Bandit Arrested
Authorities have accused him of the "malicious placement" of screws and nails around Elgin Estates. They've charged him with stalking, breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature, and malicious injury to property.
Apparently, the Screw Bandit caused more than $10,000 in damages, according to authorities. "I had to replace two tires within a month," said one anonymous person. But apparently, according to WACH, people were just caught in the crossfire. Branham was allegedly targeting an ex-wife who lived in the area.
After his arrest, several locals spoke out about the arrest. One resident said, "You either got to choose to pay for a tire or keep the lights on in your house, and that's not good. If I could pick them up and have people not worry about it, that's a plus for me."
Authorities also spoke out about the arrest.
"We are better when we work together. This was a major case that placed significant stress on our community and our deputies. Engaging our citizens proved absolutely beneficial. This case is a perfect example of how crimes can be solved through community involvement," Sheriff Lee Boan said.
