Moncks Corner, South Carolina – A multi-agency crime investigation in Berkeley County resulted in 13 arrests, the recovery of a stolen firearm, drug seizures, and scores of traffic violations in the Goose Creek and Ladson regions.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office launched Operation “All of the Lights” on Friday night, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the Department of Natural Resources, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Goose Creek Police Department.
Goose Creek and Ladson were chosen based on recent crime trends and citizens’ concerns, according to Cpl. Carli Carr of the sheriff’s office.
“We go where the community is having concerns and where we’re getting a lot of crime reports,” Carr said the crowd. “The goal is to be proactive instead of reactive and to show a presence in those areas.”
Nine of the arrests were from traffic stops, one from a public encounter, and three from a warrant sweep. Carr said the accusations ranged from drug offenses and firearms violations to traffic infractions and outstanding warrants.
The operation also yielded cocaine, marijuana, and more than $4,000 in alleged narcotics proceeds.
“We recovered a stolen firearm, seized narcotics and cash,” Carr said reporters. “That is a big win for public safety and for the victim who got their gun back.”
The warrant sweep targeted 13 people. Deputies arrested three individuals and served seven warrants. Although none of the accused were considered violent, they were charged with theft-related counts such as breach of trust and obtaining property under false pretenses.
Traffic safety was another key concern. Deputies issued 69 warnings and 18 tickets, which included violations for speeding, uninsured vehicles, seatbelts, and the state’s Move Over Law. One vehicle was towed for driving without insurance.
Carr stated that officers also implemented South Carolina’s new hands-free rule, which prevents drivers from using their phones while driving. Currently, violators receive warnings, but citations will begin in March 2026, when the grace period expires.
“Unfortunately, a lot of people are still unaware of traffic laws,” Carr informed me. “It’s not only about writing tickets; it can also be about educating. If someone does not understand the legislation, we can explain it to them so they can drive safely in the future.”
Carr stated that preventive efforts like this assist prevent crime before it occurs.
“When people see blue lights on every block, it makes them think twice about doing something illegal,” she told me. “Even small stops can take dangerous offenders off the road.”
One example given during the operation was a driver who fled from deputies while wearing an ankle monitor. Law enforcement used probation officers to track down the monitor and identify the suspect.
While the results from Friday’s operation were lower than planned, Carr believes the inclement weather and limited time period kept more criminals off the streets. She noted that deputies continued to obtain vital intelligence for serving warrants and monitoring future activity.
