YORK COUNTY, SC – How much wood could a wood thief chuck if a wood thief could chuck wood? In the early morning hours of August 17, 2022 York County Sheriff’s Deputies were patrolling the area of Shallowford Drive, Rock Hill, SC, where new homes are under construction. Deputies observed two people loading plywood into a box truck in front of a construction site. When confronted by the Deputy, the suspects drove off, and a hour and a half long pursuit began.
During the chase, one of the suspects later identified as Willie Bailey, 63, of Clover, SC, was seen throwing the stolen plywood from the back of the truck at the Deputy in pursuit.
The pursuit ended in an apartment complex off Brownstone Ct. in Gaston County, NC. Both Bailey and the unidentified driver ran away from Deputies and Gaston County Police. Bailey was eventually taken into custody by Gaston County officers, but the driver got away.
“Lumber thefts from construction sites is an ongoing crime trend here in York County,” said Sheriff Kevin Tolson. “A message to those who are stealing lumber, know our deputies are looking for you and we will stop you.”
Deputies recovered 50 sheets of plywood, and several boxes of hurricane brackets. Arrest warrants were obtained on Willie Bailey for assault and battery 1st degree, grand larceny, and criminal conspiracy. He is currently in the Gaston County Detention Center.
Video of this pursuit can be found at the York County Sheriff’s Office YouTube page via this link - https://youtu.be/WmF3NcDoyoU. Citizens with any information on the unidentified driver can contact YCSO Property Crimes Detectives at 803-628-3059 or anonymously submitting at tip at www.crimestoppersofyorkcounty.com.
