The Johnsonian

Issue date: 1/17/07 Section: News

A man believed to have terrorized the Winthrop community through a series of break-ins and a campus assault was arrested by Rock Hill police last week. The 24-year-old man has been linked to 11 incidents, all within a quarter-mile vicinity of Winthrop's campus.

Rock Hill police announced they are charging Wayne Everett Johnson with one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, along with four counts of first-degree burglary.

On Thursday, Jan. 4, Johnson entered the home of a Winthrop student living on Ebenezer Avenue Extension, according to a police report. The resident of the home heard noises downstairs, and she saw Johnson coming into the house through an unlocked window. Johnson saw the student and ran away. According to the report, a Rock Hill police officer spotted Johnson, who started to run from the officers.

Johnson was hit by a car when he tried to evade the police officer by running across Cherry Road. Johnson was arrested and put into police custody.

The Winthrop student who scared off Johnson agreed to speak with The Johnsonian on the condition of anonymity.

"I used to be so comfortable with where I live, but now that my personal space has been invaded, it's really different," she said. "I'm pretty sure God used me to get this guy in jail so he would stop terrorizing women."

Rock Hill police were glad to catch Johnson.

"It's a relief anytime you can get someone off the streets that are terrorizing the neighborhood," Lt. Jerry Waldrop said.

Winthrop police officers were also pleased that a suspect had been linked to the sexual assault and robberies that plagued the community last semester.

"A sense of safety is now instilled back in our students," Winthrop Police Chief Frank Zebedis said. "It makes me feel better."

Many Winthrop students were reassured to hear Johnson had been arrested, but were cautiously optimistic.

"I feel a lot better that he is in custody but that security should be stepped up around campus regardless," senior dance major Lindsey Christensen said. "He did break in a few times before they actually caught him, which means it could happen again."

Others feel safer but are not taking chances now.

"I feel a little safer now that I know he is in custody, but I am more aware of my surroundings," senior theatre major Alex Bifareti said.

Johnson has been linked with the sexual assault at the Tri-Sigma sorority house last semester and the assault that occurred in the Wofford residence hall. The Wofford incident was the first intrusion on a Winthrop resident hall in 18 years. Johnson's criminal history includes marijuana charges, burglary and criminal conspiracy.

Johnson worked in the Thomson cafeteria for slightly under a year, according to the vice president for student life Frank Ardaiolo. Ardaiolo said he was considered "an excellent employee at the time."

Ardaiolo said Winthrop is reviewing its security policies.

"We did indeed use this incident to review our camera coverage and we have enhanced its redundancy while insuring all the equipment is state-of-the-art," Ardaiolo said.

A campus-wide e-mail was sent out detailing the new security equipment and change in policy. Winthrop is instituting a 24-hour card-only access policy for residence halls, according to the e-mail. Along with new card access requirements, surveillance equipment has been upgraded.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools