Five arrested quickly after gun theft reported on Norris Freeway

Quick work by Anderson County Sheriff’s Department deputies after a gun theft was reported led to the arrest of five people on Monday, August 15, authorities said.

Deputies were called to a home on Norris Freeway shortly after 10 a.m., where a homeowner reported someone had stolen guns from his home. The resident said he was distracted by one of the five people, who came asking about some rental property, said Mark Lucas, Anderson County Sheriff’s Department chief deputy.

“Other suspects apparently entered the home and stole the firearms,” Lucas said. “A responding deputy recognized a truck fleeing the scene and notified other deputies by radio. Deputies were waiting when the truck and the five occupants arrived at a mobile home park in Claxton. All five were arrested and the guns recovered.”

Charged with theft were Anthony Wayne Daniels, 42, of Clinton; Betty Diannie Hansen, 56, of Clinton; Brandon Lawrence Taylor, 31, of Clinton; Maria Michele Mercer, 34, of Clinton; and, Timothy Eugene Neeley, 53, of Powell. Hansen, Taylor, and Mercer had outstanding warrants in Anderson or other counties, Lucas said, and all five defendants have prior arrest records.

“This was outstanding work by all of the Sheriff’s deputies who had these suspects in custody within minutes of the call,” Lucas said.