Deputies arrest suspected thief, recover stolen forklift

Lexington, SC - Lexington County deputies have arrested and charged a Gaston man in connection with the theft of a $45,000 forklift.

Michael Paul Hicks, 42, is charged with one count of grand larceny and one count of breaking into a motor vehicle, according to arrest warrants.

“Based on the interviews investigators have conducted and security video they’ve reviewed, Hicks broke into a West Columbia business April 19 and entered multiple pieces of machinery and a trailer,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “Security video then shows Hicks taking the forklift.”

Hicks damaged two other vehicles at the business before taking the forklift, according to Koon.

Hicks turned himself in May 1. He has since been released from the Lexington County Detention Center after meeting the conditions of his bond.