A man was arrested in North Charleston on Tuesday evening after police caught him driving a stolen car and carrying a stolen gun—both of which were reported missing from North Carolina. The arrest happened thanks to city surveillance cameras and a quick police response.
How Police Located the Stolen Vehicle
Just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, city surveillance cameras in North Charleston picked up a stolen vehicle traveling on Dorchester Road near Admiral Drive. An alert from the National Crime Information Center revealed that the vehicle was linked to a person considered armed and dangerous.
Officers quickly located the vehicle in a nearby parking lot on Dorchester Road. Once the driver parked the car, police activated their emergency lights. The driver remained at the scene and followed police instructions.
Passenger Tried to Flee But Was Caught
While the driver stayed put, the front-seat passenger ran off toward a nearby Food Lion. Officers chased the suspect and caught him shortly after. Police found what they believe to be marijuana on him, along with a firearm that had been reported stolen by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
The vehicle was also confirmed to be stolen from Charlotte, North Carolina, linking both the gun and the car to the same city.
Charges Against the Driver: Louis Cooper
The suspect was identified as 28-year-old Louis Cooper. According to the North Charleston Police Department, he has been charged with the following:
Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
Two counts of receiving stolen goods under $2,000
After his arrest, Cooper was taken to the Al Cannon Detention Center, where he is being held.
Thanks to the use of city surveillance technology and rapid action by the North Charleston Police Department, a stolen car and gun were recovered, and an arrest was made without further danger to the public. The incident also highlights how inter-agency cooperation between North and South Carolina helped track down both the suspect and the stolen property. Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity and remain alert to help keep communities safe.
