Man accused of car smash-and-grabs throughout Myrtle Beach faces $1.5 million bond
A man accused of more than a dozen car smash-and-grab thefts at Myrtle Beach businesses now faces a $1.5 million bond.
The bond is one of the highest in recent memory from either Myrtle Beach municipal court or Horry County bond court.
Myrtle Beach police charged Richard Parnell, 48, of Lancaster, with 15 counts of breaking into motor vehicles or tanks, pumps or other containers where fuel or lubricants are stored. He was arrested on Saturday and is being held in J. Reuben Long Detention Center.
Each charge is punishable by up to five years in prison, which means Parnell faces up to a total of 75 years behind bars if convicted.
There is nothing apparent in an online criminal records search that explains why Parnell’s bond would be so high. He was previously charged with theft, burglary and larceny in New Jersey and South Carolina, but many of those cases were dropped. Parnell was sentenced to 18 months probation out of Richland County in November after pleading guilty to auto theft, according to court records.
He doesn’t appear to have a violent criminal history.
Parnell faces Myrtle Beach charges in connection to a month-long car break-in spree, according to several police reports. Some of the incidents were:
- On Jan. 5, at the Woodhaven Pancake House on South Kings Highway. The victim said he left the restaurant around 1:30 p.m. and saw his passenger window broken. A black bag that had gift cards and other items was stolen from the vehicle.
- On Jan. 8 at 1208 N. Retail Court near the Coastal Grand Mall. A victim said a passenger window of her vehicle was damaged and items were stolen
- On Jan. 2 at Planet Fitness on Seaboard Street. The victim reported that while at the gym, a window was broken out of his car and items were taken.
- On Dec. 15 at 810 Billiards at The Market Common. A victim said the passenger window to her car was shattered and her purse was stolen.
According to Myrtle Bech police, Parnell targeted purses or bags left in plain sight in the vehicle. He shattered the window and fled in seconds. Police say there are several similar incidents in other jurisdictions as well.
He has no known ties to the area. Anyone with information on the spree is asked to contact 843-918-1912.
This story was originally published January 20, 2020 at 2:05 PM with the headline "Man accused of car smash-and-grabs throughout Myrtle Beach faces $1.5 million bond."
