News In Brief - March 15, 2008

By Staff and Wire Reports - Staff and Wire Reports

YORK -- A 19-year-old York man faces multiple charges in connection with a convenience store robbery.

Authorities on Friday charged Lamarcus Dontrail Perry of 25 Lee St. with armed robbery; criminal conspiracy; possession of a weapon during a violent crime; pointing and presenting firearms, and unlawful carrying of a pistol in connection with a robbery earlier this month at the American Pride gas station, according to arrest warrants.

Meanwhile, authorities issued warrants for James Otis Byers Jr., 18, of 205 W. Jefferson St., Apt. 5-G in connection with the same robbery. Byers faces several charges, including armed robbery, criminal conspiracy and use of a weapon during the commission of a crime, according to Detective Billy Mumaw of the York Police Department.

On March 3, a clerk at 328 S. Congress St. told police two men who wore masks and were armed with a knife and a handgun stole $300, a police report notes.

Perry, who was arrested Friday morning, remained in custody at York County Detention Center.

Both men also are being investigated in connection with some robberies in Rock Hill, said Lt. Jerry Waldrop of the Rock Hill Police Department. Anyone with information leading to Byers' arrest is asked to call the York Police Department at 684-4141.

'Loom' to arrive next week at Cotton Factory

A massive piece of artwork will make its way into Rock Hill on Monday toward its final destination outside the restored Cotton Factory.

Artist Thomas Sayre created a 28-foot-tall piece called "Loom," a metal tower stretching nearly three stories high. It boasts two earthcast towers and steel cables connecting each element.

The structure bears a resemblance to the Arthur Ravenel Bridge in Charleston. Sayre said he designed it to resemble the knitting looms that once hummed inside the Cotton Factory, South Carolina's first steam-powered textile mill. It will stand in an outdoor plaza.

The $125,000 privately funded piece will arrive at 5 p.m. Sayre will start installation at that point and continue Tuesday morning. The public can view installation work by visiting theoldcottonfactory.com.

Authorities add rape charge against man accused of murder

SPARTANBURG -- Authorities have added a rape charge against a man already charged with murder in the beating death of a Spartanburg couple as revenge against their son.

The Herald-Journal of Spartanburg reported the new charge came after a judge allowed prosecutors to collect a DNA sample from 27-year-old Andres "Tony" Torres.

Prosecutors say they now think Torres raped 59-year-old Ann Emery before beating her and her husband, Ray, to death with a hammer in their home last May.

Authorities say Torres was angry because he thought the Emerys' son has stolen drugs or money from him.

Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against Torres.

Former officer charged with criminal domestic violence

ORANGEBURG -- An Orangeburg public safety officer has been charged with criminal domestic violence after pushing and slapping a woman at a nightclub, authorities say.

The State Law Enforcement Division says 38-year-old Dwayne Metts attacked the woman at an Orangeburg County club last Sunday.

Charlotte area teacher arrested on molestation charges

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- Sixth-grade teacher, Donald Larry Winger Jr., 61, of Huntersville was charged with four felony counts of indecent liberties with a minor.

All of the incidents happened at Winger's home, and none involved Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students, Huntersville police Capt. Michael Kee said. Police said the charges involved assaults on two children under 16.

-- The Charlotte Observer