Two Men Accused Of Robbing Victim While Meeting To Purchase Pistol

KERSHAW, SC — Lancaster County deputies have arrested two suspects accused of robbing a man late Monday afternoon while meeting to buy a pistol.

The incident took place around 5:45pm in the parking lot of a Wells Fargo on the corner of Hampton and Marion Streets.

Deputies say the 20-year-old victim had arranged a meeting online with one of the suspects, identified as 19-year-old Tyrone Gilford, to sell a Glock 9mm pistol. For safety reasons, the victim chose the time and place of the meeting.

During the meeting, officials say a struggle ensued when Gilford tried to rob the victim. The victim pulled a second pistol, officials say, and the two men struggled wrestled to the ground until the other suspect, identified as 21-year-old Kitavis Talford, arrived with a third gun and threatened to shoot the victim.

The victim gave up the struggle, officials say, and the two suspects took off with both of his pistols.

Deputies say Gilford and Talford were located a short time later and split up to avoid capture.

Talford was taken into custody off North Matson Street at the ADM plant near Kershaw Elementary. Gilford was captured behind homes on North Ashe Street near Stevens Park after a brief chase.

Deputies say Gilford had a gun lock and chain believed to have been in the stolen gun case, but neither of the suspects had a weapon on them at the time of their arrest.

SLED was able to use K-9 units however, to eventually locate all items and weapons believed to have been involved in the armed robbery.

Gilford and Talford have each been charged with Armed Robbery and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Violent Crime.

Deputies say two additional warrants were also served on Gilford for a probation violation and failing to appear in General Sessions Court on a previous unrelated charge of Carrying a Pistol.

“This was a brazen robbery in broad daylight on the main street of the Town of Kershaw,” said Sheriff Barry Faile. “It is fortunate neither the victim nor the robbers were seriously hurt. Several deputies and the investigator immediately sprang into action, covered the area, and ran these men until they caught them. Three loaded pistols were abandoned in the public domain during this incident. SLED was instrumental in locating one of the guns, and we are glad all three were recovered.”