3 arrested, 1 on the lam in connection to Sumter Pawn robbery

Law officials have arrested three men and are searching for another in connection to the Oct. 5 armed robbery at Sumter Pawn on Broad Street.

Dominique J. Bowman, 23, of Peace Avenue; Jordan K. Hunter, 17, of Somerset Drive; and Rasheem A. James, 28, of Somerset Drive are being held at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center for their alleged involvement.

Bowman, an employee of the pawn shop, and James, the alleged getaway driver, are both charged with armed robbery and criminal conspiracy, while Hunter is charged with armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, unlawful carrying of a pistol and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

The arrests were made this week through cooperation between Sumter Police Department; Sumter County Sheriff’s Office; S.C. Probation, Pardon and Parole; and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for the police department.

A $50,000 surety bond was set for Bowman, and James received a $25,000 surety bond, both with the condition of electronic monitoring. Bond was denied for Hunter.

Just after 10:45 a.m., Sumter police responded to an armed robbery at Sumter Pawn after employees reported that two men wearing dark-colored clothing with their faces covered entered the store and took an undisclosed amount of cash, jewelry and a firearm before fleeing, McGirt said.

At least one of the men was reportedly armed with a handgun, according to reports. No one was injured during the incident.

Authorities are working to apprehend a fourth suspect, Jaquan D. Curtis, 18, of Somerset Drive.

If arrested, McGirt said Curtis will face charges of armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, unlawful carrying of a pistol and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Anyone with information about Jaquan Curtis' whereabouts is asked to call Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Callers can remain anonymous.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers electronically by going to www.P3tips.com and clicking on the “Submit a New Tip” tab or by downloading the P3 Tips app for Apple and Android devices.