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ANDERSON, S.C. — Three Anderson County teens have been charged in connection with the brutal assault and armed robbery of a homeless man on Station Drive, according to newly released warrants and a media statement from the sheriff’s office.
Detectives say surveillance video and witness interviews helped them identify three suspects involved in the July 27 attack on 100 Station Drive, where community members found the victim, identified by supporters as Chris Holdt, badly beaten in a parking lot. Investigators determined two teens carried out the assault while a third waited nearby in a vehicle and drove them away from the scene.
According to a media release, two 17-year-olds from Belton are being charged as adults and booked into the Anderson County Detention Center. Warrants show Kenneth Irvin Croegaert is charged with armed robbery and assault and battery by mob, second degree, accused of beating the victim repeatedly in the head, face and chest and taking cash while armed with a handgun described as khaki or tan with an orange tip. A second 17-year-old, Sheldon Kayne Almers, is charged with accessory after the fact, accused of helping the other suspects avoid the consequences of the crime by acting as a getaway driver.
A third suspect, a 16-year-old, is being charged through the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice with armed robbery and assault and battery by mob, second degree, but his name is not being released because of his age.
Sheriff Chad McBride said in a statement that “no one — especially a vulnerable member of our community — should ever have to endure such a senseless and violent attack,” adding that the agency remains committed to seeking justice for Holdt and holding those responsible accountable. McBride also praised detectives for their “relentless work” and the community members who provided information and stepped up to help the victim, saying their actions reflect the kind of community Anderson County strives to be.
Court documents state the assault was witnessed by at least two people at a nearby business, and that Croegaert admitted to striking the victim during the incident. pdf The victim, who supporters describe as disabled and a familiar face in the area, remains hospitalized as he recovers.
Earlier this week, community members Cody and Makayla Carroll launched an online fundraiser to help pay for Holdt’s medical care, housing and food, saying they were working with a victim advocate to ensure the money is delivered directly to him at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are still asking anyone with additional information, video, photos or surveillance footage related to the attack to contact the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.
