Deputies Arrest Suspect in Multiple Robberies

Richland County Sheriff's deputies arrested a 44-year-old man in connection with three store robberies in Columbia. 

Willis J. Lowman, of 200 Saluda River Road, is charged with two counts of strong armed robbery and two counts of larceny. 

Richland County and Lexington County deputies arrested Lowman just before noon Wednesday at the home of an acquaintance at Palmetto Pointe Apartments in Lexington, according to the sheriff's department. A Crimestoppers tip led to his arrest. 

Lowman was involved in three robberies, deputies say. 

• Oct. 1: Around 6:15 a.m., Richland County Sheriff's deputies met with the victim at Exxon Gas station, 800 St. Andrews Road. The victim stated that Lowman forced her out of the way, stole money from the register and fled the business.

• Oct. 4: Around 6 p.m., Richland County Sheriff’s deputies met with a clerk at Family Dollar, 1735 Decker Blvd., who stated that Lowman entered the business and pretended to purchase an item. When the clerk opened the register Lowman reached over the counter and stole the money then fled the store, the victim said.

• Oct. 10: Around 7:30 p.m., Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded to a robbery call at Dollar Tree, 2724 Decker Blvd. The victim stated that Lowman told her to stay quiet and give him the money from the drawer. Lowman pushed the victim out of the way to get to the register, the victim said. He then stole the money and fled the business.

Lowman was transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and is being held on a $75,000 bond and a $1,092.50 bond.