DCSO uses new cameras to capture suspect

On Wednesday, September 18th, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) successfully utilized its newly implemented Flock Camera system to apprehend a suspect in Hartsville. Deputies were alerted by the system to a vehicle displaying a stolen license plate originating from Monroe, NC.

Upon locating the vehicle, deputies arrested the driver, Nicholas Hernandez, who faces charges including possession of stolen property, driving without a South Carolina driver’s license, and operating an uninsured vehicle. In areas where the Flock Camera System has been implemented, up to 70% reductions in crime have been reported. Flock cameras infrared system captures clear images day or night.

This marks the first arrest resulting from the DCSO’s Flock Camera system, which has been operational for several weeks. The department has placed several cameras throughout the county, designed to capture photos and scan license plates of passing vehicles. When a tag is flagged in the system, an alert is sent directly to deputies, enabling a rapid response to potential criminal activity.

DCSO officials believe the Flock Camera system will significantly enhance their efforts to suppress crime moving forward.