Fort Jackson soldier dies

A 29-year-old Connecticut Army National Guard Soldier died while attending basic combat training at Fort Jackson Tuesday.

Fort Jackson medical personnel transported Pvt. Angel Cortes to an off-post hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly before 9:30 pm.

Fort Jackson says Cortes had a medical emergency while conducting a non-strenuous activity.

An investigation into the cause of the death is being conducted.

Leesville motorcycle death

Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher has identified the individual who was killed as a result of a motorcycle accident that occurred in the 600 block of Old Lexington Road, Leesville, Mar. 11.

According to Coroner Fisher, Peter W. Chavis, 45, of Batesburg was pronounced dead at the scene due to his injuries.

Chavis, who was traveling southbound, left the right side of the roadway, lost control of his motorcycle, and struck a tree. He was not wearing a helmet.

The incident is under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Man charged in business fire

Lexington County deputies have arrested a Columbia man as part of an investigation into a fire last month at a Charleston Highway business.

Christopher Dwayne Tillman, 26, is charged with arson, burglary and ill treatment of animals, according to arrest warrants.

“After reviewing security cam video from the early morning hours of Feb. 28, detectives determined Tillman unlawfully entered the office of a business in the 2200 block of Charleston Highway,” Lexington County Jay Koon said. “Evidence shows Tillman using an incendiary device to cause a fire, which resulted in a total loss for the business.”

Tillman was terminated as an employee of the business a week before the fire, according to Koon.

“The ill treatment of animal charge stems from the death of the family dog detectives confirmed was trapped in the office as the fire destroyed the building,” Koon said.

Tillman later cashed a business check for $3,800 he wrote to himself out of a check book damaged in the fire, according to Koon.

Tillman was released from the Lexington County Detention Center on his own recognizance.