A man from Florida has been arrested in connection with a home burglary in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, after the entire incident was caught on camera. Authorities have linked John Albert Williams III to the early-morning break-in, during which he was seen stealing a purse from a local residence.
Florida Man Caught on Camera Robbing Mount Pleasant Home
John Albert Williams III now faces multiple charges, including:
Burglary in the first degree
Possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime
Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
Williams was arrested on Friday, September 5, by the Hardeeville Police Department—but for unrelated charges. Once Mount Pleasant police identified him as the suspect in the burglary, they began working to serve their warrants and have him transferred to Charleston County for prosecution.
What the Security Footage Revealed
The break-in happened around 3:10 a.m. on September 5. Security footage from the home of Alex Skatell clearly shows a masked man peering through open windows from the home’s wraparound porch.
Just five minutes later, the man—later identified as Williams—is seen leaving the porch carrying a purse and what appears to be a flashlight.
The stolen purse contained personal information, but authorities confirmed that no high-value items were taken.
Homeowner Discovered the Crime Later
Skatell didn’t immediately realise a break-in had occurred. It was only around 6 a.m., after reviewing his security camera footage, that he saw the intruder and called 911.
Mount Pleasant police arrived about an hour later to begin the investigation.
Police Response Under Internal Review
Interestingly, the incident has led to an internal review by the Mount Pleasant Police Department. Though details were not shared publicly, it appears the department is evaluating how officers initially responded to the case.
Despite this, Police Chief Arnold praised the outcome, saying:
“I would like to thank our Criminal Investigations Bureau for their unwavering determination to solve this crime and make an arrest. I would also like to thank the citizens and businesses who assisted with this investigation. Finally, I extend my gratitude to the Hardeeville Police Department for their support and collaboration.”
What Happens Next
Williams remains in custody and is expected to be extradited to Charleston County to face the burglary-related charges. Authorities are also investigating whether he may be connected to other crimes in the area or beyond.
A Reminder on Home Safety
This case highlights the importance of security cameras and fast action from residents. If not for Skatell’s camera system, identifying the suspect may have taken much longer. It also serves as a reminder for all homeowners to lock windows and doors, especially at night.
Thanks to clear security footage and cooperation between law enforcement agencies, a burglary suspect is now behind bars. While no valuables were lost, the invasion of privacy and risk posed to the residents were serious. With Williams now in custody, Mount Pleasant residents can breathe a bit easier as the case moves forward.
