Deputies: Suspected Copper Thief Shot by Homeowner

A homeowner shot a suspected copper thief who was found outside his home near his air conditioning unit Wednesday morning, according to the Richland County Sheriff's Department.  

Diana Perry, 53, was shot in the upper body after the owner of a home on Andrews Road in Columbia heard Perry attempting to steal copper from his air conditioning unit, deputies said. 

The incident happened around 5 a.m. Wednesday. Perry was taken to Palmetto Health Richland with non-life threatening injuries. 

The homeowner heard noises and grabbed a gun. Once outside, he saw Perry near the air conditioner. 

Deputies say Perry approached the man and he fired a shot, hitting Perry in the upper body.

Perry then fled the area, but was arrested by deputies a short distance from the home.

Perry and an unknown male suspect are also suspected in a burglary at OmniSource Corporation located at 1148 Shop Road before the incident at the home.

Perry is charged with unlawful entry into enclosed spaces and felony larceny. She will be transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center upon release from the hospital.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect or information about the incident should call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.