A Summerville Officer out on patrol noticed a water leak, which lead to discovering a missing water meter at a residence.

On December 9th, while out on routine patrol, a Summerville Police Officer noticed a large water leak coming from residence on Blake St. Further inspection revealed that there was no water meter at the residence and the leak was coming from a water hose that was run to the house. A call into the City of Summerville showed that services had been disconnected and the meter removed on November 6th, 2020 due to theft of services.

City  employees found the water hose in a shallow ditch that had been covered with dirt and pine straw to conceal it. The homeowners were found to be Lavon Sims and Sequayah Wheeler who were not at home, but Officers spoke to on the phone. Sims told the police that while they remodeling the home, the meter was in place, but that the meter was later removed.

Sims admitted to using the water after the meter had been removed but denied knowledge of the water hose being used. Sims also admitted to not contacting City Hall about getting a new meter or about receiving free services.

Arrangements have been made for Mr. Sims to meet and sign a Diversion of Services.