Sheriff arrests 25-year-old man after late-night break-ins target women

Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis announced the arrest of Terron Lamon Banks on Monday. The 25-year-old man is in custody after a series of late-night home invasions targeted women living alone. Lewis stated that investigators first learned of the pattern on Oct. 16. The cases shared what Lewis called some very concerning similarities.

Detectives linked Banks to four specific burglaries that occurred in September. In one incident, the suspect entered an apartment through an unlocked window while the resident slept. Banks faces four counts of first-degree burglary. He also faces one count of grand larceny and one count of voyeurism.

The sheriff’s office located Banks at a bus station in Spartanburg County. He was attempting to board a bus to Atlanta when deputies took him into custody. Lewis noted the strong working relationship between adjoining counties helped secure the arrest. The sheriff said the department was relieved to catch him before he left the area and potentially harmed someone else.

Investigators are currently looking into five other incidents in the region. These additional cases involved similar circumstances and may be connected to Banks. DNA evidence from the scenes has been collected and sent to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for processing.

Lewis described Banks as an outsider to Greenville County who has a prior criminal history. The sheriff suggested Banks likely began this pattern of crime in another part of the country. He expressed hope that the investigation could bring justice to victims in other locations.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who believes they were a victim of Banks to call 864-467-5300. Officials are also reviewing the five additional cases to determine if they fit the same profile.

Lewis urged residents to stay vigilant and keep doors and windows locked. He advised women to be aware of their surroundings and to consider arming themselves if they feel comfortable doing so. He emphasized knowing the location of any firearm before using it.