Police searching for suspect in stolen semi-truck case

Deputies in South Carolina are looking for a man accused of stealing an unoccupied semi-truck early Thursday morning.

Around 7:30 a.m. deputies learned that a man, Austin Grimes, 29, had stolen a tractor-trailer with no trailer attached from a business in the 10500 block of Highway 78 in the Ladson area. Charleston County deputies, along with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, worked to locate the suspect.

Investigators began tracking the truck’s location using its GPS tracking unit and located it in the eastbound lanes of I-26. A traffic stop was attempted near the interchange of I-26 and I-526, but was unsuccessful.

Deputies did not begin a chase out of caution for increased traffic and the safety of other drivers.

Deputies later found the semi unoccupied and disabled in the area of the Glenn McConnell Parkway near Essex Farms.

Deputies patrolled and searched the area with the assistance of K9s and the helicopter, but were unable to locate the suspect.

There was no indication of a weapon or threats to the community, deputies say.

Grimes was last seen wearing blue jeans and an orange sweatshirt, according to Capt. Roger Antonio. Investigators believe Grimes has since discarded the sweatshirt.

Anyone who sees Grimes should not approach but call 911 immediately, deputies say.