COLUMBIA, South Carolina – Stormy Weather and Shocking Arrests This Week
As we gear up for the rest of the week, Columbia is bracing for some extreme weather. We’re expecting a rainy day today with **high temperatures reaching 77°F**. If you’ve got plans outdoors, you might want to reconsider because the chance of rain today is a whopping **100%**. That’s right, folks! We’re looking at one to two inches of rainfall, so grab that umbrella before you head out!
Forecasters indicate that tonight could be particularly eventful. The evening will see showers continue, but that’s just the warm-up. Overnight, we should brace for **winds picking up significantly** from the east-southeast. Expect gusts to increase from 10 to 20 mph, skyrocketing to **20 to 30 mph**. The temperature will drop to a cozy **73°F**, and there’s still a **90% chance of rain** with nearly an inch of additional rainfall included. So, if you hear any thunder, don’t be too surprised; thunderstorms are likely!
Charles Becker’s Arrest Raises Eyebrows
In other news, it seems Columbia isn’t just facing heavy storms; it’s also weathering a shocking scandal. Charles Becker, the chief spokesperson for the state’s Emergency Management Division, found himself arrested last week on some serious charges. He’s been accused of distributing **methamphetamine** while still on the job!
Now, let’s rewind to September 20, when police reported they found a suspicious black zippered pouch in the Emergency Management Division parking lot. Inside, they discovered not just drug paraphernalia but also a baggie holding a crystal-like substance believed to be meth. After a quick confirmation from the county narcotics agents, it was verified to be **over 2 grams of meth**. This discovery prompted an investigation, and it didn’t take long for authorities to link the pouch back to Becker himself.
Security cameras revealed him carrying the pouch earlier that day before he left it behind while chatting on his phone. Becker, 43, was arrested at his home a day later and is now facing serious legal scrutiny. The authorities are still piecing together why he would leave something so incriminating in a government parking lot. He was released from jail on a **$10,000 personal recognizance bond**— which, by the way, allowed him to go home without paying anything upfront, but if he violates the release conditions, he’ll be on the hook for that amount.
Becker’s Background and Impact on Emergency Management
Becker had been with the state’s Emergency Management Division for quite a while, joining in 2008 and becoming the chief of public information and external affairs by 2018. His job was crucial, especially during hurricanes and other natural disasters when he acted as the voice of the agency to keep the public informed. Interestingly, Becker’s name has vanished from the agency’s staff list, which speaks volumes about his current employment status.
The Emergency Management Division maintains strict policies concerning drug use and possession, stating explicitly that employees are prohibited from manufacturing or distributing any non-prescribed drugs while on agency premises. Tensions rise in the community as this shocking news unfolds, leaving many wondering how such an incident could occur in a department meant to keep the public safe.
What Lies Ahead for Columbia
With the storms rolling in and this unexpected controversy surrounding one of the state’s public figures, it’s certainly a vivid week in Columbia. We’ll have to stay tuned and keep our spirits up as we navigate through the rain and the revelations that keep pouring in.
Whether you’re hunkered down at home or watching the developments from a distance, stay safe out there!
