MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW/WFMY) – A man’s alleged multi-state crime spree ended Tuesday night in Myrtle Beach.
Some of the victims live in Randolph County, North Carolina, near Greensboro, where deputies had wanted posters for Jeremy Hayes. Investigators linked Hayes to at least three robberies and beatings in that area in the last week, according to the Randolph County Sherriff’s Office.
Most of the victims were elderly, including a couple who was pistol whipped, according to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. The couple’s grandson says Hayes showed up to their home and said he’d run out of gas.
Myrtle Beach police caught Hayes with Kennedy Boggs, both fugitives of North Carolina, after they committed an armed robbery at a Myrtle Beach Pizza Hut, according to Captain Joey Crosby with Myrtle Beach Police.
Crosby says police cameras in the city caught the suspects driving away from the scene and helped police to make an arrest within minutes.
Surfside Beach police charged Hayes and Boggs in connection with an armed robbery at a Surfside Beach antique store, according to a statement provided by Chief Kenneth Hofmann with the Surfside Beach Police Department.
Surfside Beach officers say they responded to the report of an armed robbery on Sunday around 1:45 p.m. at Peggy’s Antiques, located at 1040 Highway South, Surfside Beach. The victims say Hayes pointed a handgun at the victims and demanded money, taking cash and cellphones.
Chief Hofmann said, “We understand this disturbing crime causes concern for our residents and business owners, but I am proud of the hard work of the law enforcement officers in multiple jurisdictions that brought this multi-state crime spree to an end.”
Captain Crosby credits the city cameras for helping solve crimes.
The city cameras have been vital in two recent cases that we’ve had within the last few weeks,” said Crosby.
Crosby says the city now has over 800 cameras in the city, and recent cases have showed how important they are for solving crime. Last week, a woman was found dead inside a Myrtle Beach hotel. Crosby says the cameras were used in that investigation as well.
“Last week, officers initiated a homicide investigation early one morning. By the next afternoon, officers had identified the suspect and were able to capture the vehicle that he was in, which was a major part of the investigation,” said Crosby.
Both fugitives appeared in court on Thursday morning at 9 a.m.
Hayes was denied bond on all charges.
Boggs was denied bond on her armed robbery charge.
Crosby says the investigation is still underway, and additional charges are likely.
