CSI: Orangeburg - It could be the title for a new forensics crime series starring local police.

Based on the results of DNA processing, police are asking the public's help in locating an individual named in at least two crimes.

Warrants have been issued for Johnny Loynes, 42, of Orangeburg for second-degree burglary and petty larceny connected to a July break-in and an August snatch-and-run incident at a John C. Calhoun Drive liquor store.

"DNA is what broke the case open," Orangeburg Department of Public Safety Capt. Mike Adams said. "Prior to DNA, we had no suspects. Not only did it give us a name but a genetic profile."

Adams said late on the evening of July 2 an officer patrolling John C. Calhoun Drive noticed a section of insulation that appeared to have been pulled out of a business's siding.

Pulling into the parking lot of Cheap Charlie's Fireworks, the officer saw where someone had thrown a brick through a glass window and gained entry through the hole. Inside, a cash register had been hauled off.

Searching the area, police found the register behind a nearby business. On that register, Crime Scene Investigator Curt Shultz removed traces of what appeared to be blood.

"The blood sample was submitted to SLED, where it was analyzed," Adams said.

Once a DNA profile has been made, it is then compared against the CODIS database, or combined DNA index system.

Adams said in the case of the July 2 break-in, Loynes' was determined to be a suspect.

"The thing about DNA evidence is you can leave a substantial amount of DNA at a scene," he said. "Whether you realize it or not, you leave DNA evidence. The ability to process DNA has advanced rapidly in the past 10 years."

In addition to the July 2 break-in, police want to question Loynes about a July 7 break-in at Cheap Charlie's.

Around 4:25 a.m., police patrolling the area noticed glass in front of the business. Closer inspection revealed another brick had been thrown through a window. The cash register was still there, but "there was a big assortment of rocket fireworks missing," according to a police report.

A petit larceny warrant against Loynes has also been issued. That warrant is connected with the Aug. 18 snatch-and-run at Henry's Party Shop.

On that date, an employee left the front desk for about 25 minutes to stock a cooler. When she returned, a small box underneath a counter that contained some cash was missing.

Although the clerk didn't see anyone, a video camera did.

"Surveillance video was reviewed by the investigating officer," Adams said. "The suspect can be clearly seen taking the cash in question."

Four days after that, a warrant was issued against Loynes.

If anyone has seen or knows the whereabouts of Loynes, they are asked to contact the Midlands Crimestoppers, where they may received a reward for information leading to a conviction.

The Midlands Crimestoppers can be reached at 1-888-559-TIPS (8477). The ODPS number is 803-533-5907.

T&D Staff Writer Richard Walker can be reached by e-mail at rwalker@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5516. Discuss this and other stories on-line at TheTandD.com.

You must be logged in to comment.