Columbia, January 27, 2026
Columbia and nearby communities are grappling with winter weather disruptions that have resulted in facility closures and advisories. Concurrently, law enforcement has made significant arrests regarding public safety incidents, including child sexual exploitation and armed robbery attempts. Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious as freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions persist. Community events are still being planned despite the weather challenges, highlighting the resilience of local residents.
Columbia Experiences Winter Weather Disruptions Amidst Recent Public Safety Actions
Columbia and surrounding communities have experienced significant winter weather impacts over the last 48 hours, leading to facility closures and advisories, while law enforcement officials in the region have announced recent arrests in critical public safety cases. An 18-year-old Irmo man was arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse material, and a man was taken into custody in Columbia following an attempted car theft from a dealership.
Public Safety Operations Target Online Exploitation and Property Crime
Authorities in the Midlands continue proactive efforts to combat child sexual exploitation. On January 26, 2026, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office announced the arrest of Samuel Gage Troutman, an 18-year-old from Irmo. Troutman was arrested on January 22, 2026, facing two charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, including the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office and the Irmo Police Department, conducted the arrest after receiving a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Investigators allege that Troutman distributed and possessed files containing child sexual abuse material. He faces potential imprisonment of up to 10 years for each felony offense.
This arrest follows other recent actions by the ICAC Task Force in the state. In December 2025, Kenneth Lenard Norton, 40, of West Columbia, was arrested and charged with eight counts related to child sexual abuse material. Norton’s arrest on December 22, 2025, also stemmed from a CyberTipline report and involved investigators from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Additionally, in January 2026, Kevin Neil Dick, 55, of Sumter, was arrested and charged with four counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, following a CyberTipline report.
In a separate public safety incident, a 25-year-old man was apprehended in Columbia on January 25, 2026, after attempting to steal multiple vehicles from a car dealership. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports at Columbia City Cars on Two Notch Road, where Bailey Saturne allegedly implied he had a weapon and demanded car keys. Saturne attempted to steal several vehicles before fleeing on foot and was later taken into custody. He faces charges including armed robbery, carjacking, auto tampering, and petit larceny.
Further afield, law enforcement is investigating a homicide in Sumter. On January 25, 2026, Jeremy Jerrod Barr, 38, of Timmonsville, was found dead in a Sumter home, with investigators believing he was shot earlier that day. The Sumter Police Department is seeking public assistance in this ongoing investigation.
Winter Weather Causes Local Closures and Advisories
The Columbia metropolitan area experienced significant disruptions due to an ice storm warning and severe cold temperatures over the weekend and into the early week. On January 26, 2026, the City of Columbia announced the closure of its facilities, including government offices, payment centers, municipal court, parking services, and recreational centers, due to anticipated impacts of winter weather. Public safety and other essential services continued to operate normally. Similarly, Richland County government offices were closed to the public on January 26, 2026, with county officials continuing preparations for hazardous travel conditions. The University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus also implemented a delayed opening on Monday, January 26, 2026, cancelling classes before 11 a.m.
Residents have been advised to exercise caution as wind chills in the Midlands could make temperatures feel as low as 9 degrees. Authorities have also warned that the threat of freezing pipes in Columbia is expected to persist longer than the ice storm itself.
Community Events and Developments
Despite the weather, community activities are being planned. Tickets are currently available for the Taste of Lake Murray, an annual fundraiser scheduled for March 26, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia. This event serves as the sole fundraiser for Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration and will feature local culinary offerings, live music, and a silent auction. The 2026 event will also incorporate patriotic themes in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
On January 25, 2026, Historic Columbia hosted a Heathwood Walking Tour, allowing participants to explore one of Columbia’s architecturally distinct neighborhoods and learn about its notable former residents.
Key Public Safety and Community Highlights (January 25-27, 2026)
| Event | Date | Location | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSAM Arrest (Irmo) | Arrested: January 22, 2026; Announced: January 26/27, 2026 | Irmo, SC | Samuel Gage Troutman, 18, charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. | State-level |
| Car Dealership Robbery Attempt | January 25, 2026 | Columbia, SC | Bailey Saturne, 25, arrested for armed robbery, carjacking, auto tampering, and petit larceny. | Local |
| Homicide Investigation | January 25, 2026 | Sumter, SC | Jeremy Jerrod Barr, 38, found dead in a home, believed to be shot. | State-level |
| Winter Weather Closures | January 26, 2026 | Columbia & Richland County, SC | City and County facilities, including University of South Carolina campus, closed or delayed due to ice storm warning and cold temperatures. | Local |
| Taste of Lake Murray (Tickets On Sale) | Announced: January 26, 2026; Event: March 26, 2026 | Columbia, SC | Annual fundraiser for Independence Day Celebration fireworks, featuring local food, music, and auction. | Local |
| Heathwood Walking Tour | January 25, 2026 | Columbia, SC | Historic Columbia tour exploring an architecturally distinct neighborhood. | Local |
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Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
