Buffalo Man Arrested for Burglary in Union County
UNION COUNTY, S.C. (August 30, 2024) — In a surprising turn of events, a man from Buffalo was arrested on Thursday for second-degree burglary and petty larceny, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the suspect as Dale Puckett Senior. The incident came to light when Tracy Gatliff, a resident of Flat Drive, reported to deputies that she heard a loud banging at her door while she was at home. Upon investigating, she saw a male standing outside, urging her to let him inside. What was particularly startling was that the male was reportedly unclothed.
Upon receiving the tip-off, deputies began patrolling the area. Their search led them to Hill Street, where they found the suspect exactly as described by Gatliff—fully unclothed and laying under a house. While they were closing in on Puckett, another citizen flagged down the deputies, informing them that Puckett had been inside their store and had stolen items from there.
Puckett was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree burglary, petty larceny, and public disorderly conduct. Police reports indicate that despite the suspect’s unusual behavior, there were no altercations or injuries during the arrest.
In addition to the charges related to the burglary and theft, Puckett is also facing charges for public disorderly conduct, adding another layer of complexity to his legal situation.
This case has garnered significant attention in Union County, where residents are not accustomed to such peculiar incidents. The Sheriff’s Office assured the public that this appears to be an isolated event and emphasized their commitment to keeping the community safe.
The incident highlights the importance of community vigilance. Local law enforcement encourages residents to report any suspicious activity immediately, emphasizing that such reports can help prevent more serious crimes. Deputy sheriffs in Union County lauded citizens like Gatliff and the store owner for their quick actions and detailed descriptions, which significantly aided in apprehending the suspect.
As of now, Puckett remains in custody awaiting further court proceedings. His arrest has stirred discussions locally about mental health and public safety, with some residents expressing concerns about similar incidents in the future.
Union County Sheriff’s Office is expected to release more information as the investigation continues. They will also be reviewing security measures and reassuring the public about steps taking to prevent future incidents.
Residents are reminded to stay vigilant and report any unusual activities to local authorities. Moreover, this bizarre episode serves as a lesson in community cooperation and the impact of swift, coordinated responses.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more details become available. For now, the community can take solace in knowing that the suspect is behind bars, and the immediate threat has been neutralized.
