Sumter man charged after four-wheeler damage to South Sumter Park grounds discovered

A Sumter man was charged after a city park sustained significant damage to its grounds last weekend.

According to a news release by Sumter Police Department, video surveillance helped identify Gregory Yakeim Sharper, 36, of Allen Drive, as the suspect after the baseball field and mulched areas of South Sumter Park were discovered damaged Monday morning.

Information gathered by officers indicates the suspect entered the gated park during the weekend on a four-wheeler, which was driven to cut “donuts” and other damage to the park’s landscape, according to the release.

South Sumter Park, which was renovated in 2025, is one of 27 parks maintained by the City of Sumter and represents a major investment to enhance the quality of life of all residents. Hours of use, activities and conduct of patrons are regulated and monitored.

Sharper, who has previous property crimes convictions, was placed in custody Tuesday and charged with malicious injury to property-$2,000 or less. He was booked at the local detention center.