YORK COUNTY, S.C. – A 57-year-old Clover man is in custody following a bomb threat that led to the evacuation of approximately 70 residents at the Wylie Springs Revere Apartments on Sunday morning.
Todd Bruce Bentley, 57, of Clover, is facing several charges after deputies responded to a vandalism call just before 10:30 a.m. Witnesses reported Bentley spray-painted graffiti on several walls and cars within the complex. During the investigation, deputies discovered a suspicious device on the porch of one of the ground-floor apartments, which was believed to have been an attempt to start a fire.
Bentley’s vehicle was also found to be rigged with a potential device. Due to the severity of the situation, deputies evacuated the apartment building, and the bomb squad from the Rock Hill Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the FBI were called to assist. Technicians rendered all devices safe without incident.
Additionally, law enforcement searched Bentley’s apartment, concerned it may have been rigged with incendiaries, given the lengths to which the suspect had gone. Bently’s apartment was also cleared without issue, and no other suspicious devices were located.
Displaced residents were allowed back into their homes at approximately 6:45 p.m. Sunday.
“We appreciate the patience of the residents in this area. Their safety was our top priority, and although they were inconvenienced for several hours, we had to ensure this situation didn’t escalate into something more serious,” said Sheriff Kevin Tolson.
Bentley is in custody and faces multiple charges, including vandalism and threatening the life of a public employee. The complete list of pending charges will be released as the investigation continues.
