Man arrested for robbing 3 North Charleston businesses, throwing gasoline in clerk's face (2024)

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  • By Kailey Cota kcota@postandcourier.com

    Kailey Cota

    Reporter

    Kailey Cota is a breaking news and public safety reporter for the Post & Courier's Charleston location. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina.

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Man arrested for robbing 3 North Charleston businesses, throwing gasoline in clerk's face (5)

North Charleston police arrested a man charged with throwing liquid into the faces of clerks before robbing their convenience stores.

The man, 37-year-old Paul Roman Watson, allegedly robbed three North Charleston convenience stores before being arrested and charged withthree counts of strong-arm robbery and three counts of assault and battery in the first degree, failure to stop for blue lights and driving under suspension, according to jail records. He was denied bond.

Incident reports provided to The Post and Courier on May 20 paint a picture of Watson entering convenience stores, waiting for cashiers to open up the register, throwing liquid in their faces to disarm them and reaching into the registers to steal cash.

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Watson is charged with first robbing the Scotchman convenience store at 1201 Remount Road just before 7 p.m. on May 11.

He allegedly asked the cashier to exchange dimes for quarters, and threw liquid in her face when she opened the register. Officers noted a strong aroma of bleach when they arrived. Watson stole $421, according to an incident report.

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  • By Alan Hovorkaahovorka@postandcourier.com

He followed the same steps when he allegedly robbed the Sunoco convenience store at 6855 Dorchester Road around 11:30 p.m. on May 17.

He stole $280 from the register after throwing liquid into the cashier's face, according to an incident report. The brown liquid had a vinegar aroma, according to the report.

Then, just after 6 a.m. the next morning, he allegedly stole an unknown amount of money from the Circle K at 3855 W. Montague Ave.

The clerk said he asked her for water, and threw liquid in her face when she looked up at him. The liquid smelled strongly of gasoline, according to responding officers.

Watson had been released from jail March 6 on a $18,000 bond for a violent burglary in the second degree and breach of trust with fraudulent intent, according to jail records. The charges are still pending in the court system. Court records show a motion to revoke his bond was filed on March 11.

Watson also posted $10,000 bond for a domestic violence in the second degree charge from October 2022. The case is still pending, according to court records.

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More information

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Kailey Cota

Reporter

Kailey Cota is a breaking news and public safety reporter for the Post & Courier's Charleston location. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina.

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Man arrested for robbing 3 North Charleston businesses, throwing gasoline in clerk's face (2024)

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Man arrested for robbing 3 North Charleston businesses, throwing gasoline in clerk's face? ›

The man, 37-year-old Paul Roman Watson, allegedly robbed three North Charleston convenience stores before being arrested and charged with three counts of strong-arm robbery and three counts of assault and battery in the first degree, failure to stop for blue lights and driving under suspension, according to jail ...

Is North Charleston safe in 2024? ›

NCPD is pleased to announce that crime rates have decreased in our city for both violent and non-violent crimes. In the first four months of 2024, there has been a 10% decrease in violent crimes.

How bad is North Charleston? ›

With a crime rate of 58 per one thousand residents, North Charleston has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 17.

Is Ashley phosphate safe? ›

This corridor is ranked as one of the top ten most dangerous in the state for vulnerable road users, and within the top five in Charleston County.

Is North Charleston a good place to live? ›

It is affordable compared to the rest of Charleston. There are some very nice neighborhoods throughout North Charleston. A great place to live if you want to be near downtown Charleston or the beach but aren't willing to spend a ton of money on a residence.

What is the safest place to live in Charleston? ›

Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Charleston in 2024
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Is it safe to walk around Charleston? ›

Downtown Charleston near the Historic District is generally safe and best known for its Southern hospitality. However, it's still a busy city and visitors should use common sense when exploring. Avoid walking alone at night (especially in the city's many alleyways) and keep valuables close to you.

Why is it called Ashley phosphate? ›

Ashley Phosphate Road is named after an industry which used to be prominent within the Ashley River Region, especially after the Civil War: phosphate mining.

Is King Street in Charleston safe? ›

It takes aim at underage drinking, impaired driving and overcrowding at bars and clubs along King Street, which Cogswell described as a “chaotic scene” in an interview last month following two high-profile incidents around the late-night corridor.

Is Meeting Street in Charleston, SC safe? ›

While Charleston is not necessarily a large city, there are pockets that are high crime. Avoid the stretch of Meeting Street that lies between I-26 and the visitor center after dark. America Street and Nassau Street are also areas you want to avoid, no matter the time of day.

What is the racial makeup of North Charleston, SC? ›

Current Population Snapshot

The City's population is approximately 47% African American, 45% white, and 8% of other races or two or more races. Of the City's residents, 10% identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in South Carolina? ›

According to the Living Wage Calculator, a single person in South Carolina needs to earn approximately $16.73 per hour, or $34,806 annually, to meet their basic needs. For a family of four with one adult working, the living wage increases to $36.52 per hour or $75,964 annually.

Is North Charleston expensive? ›

North Charleston, South Carolina's cost of living is 16% lower than the national average.

Is North Charleston safe from hurricanes? ›

The City of North Charleston is subject to flooding from Atlantic Ocean hurricanes and other storms. The City of North Charleston has experienced many hurricanes resulting in local property damaged being caused by high winds and flood.

How safe is Park Circle North Charleston, SC? ›

Park Circle buyers should be aware that the CAP Index gives the area a 6 out of 10 crime score, which is higher than the national average of 4.

What are the demographics of North Charleston? ›

Current Population Snapshot

The City's population is approximately 47% African American, 45% white, and 8% of other races or two or more races. Of the City's residents, 10% identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino.

Is North Charleston a different city than Charleston? ›

The City of North Charleston is located in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties in southeastern South Carolina, just northwest of the City of Charleston. The City is bordered by the Cooper River to the East and the Ashley River to the West.

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