Man Smashes Windows at King Street Walgreens — What Charleston Property Owners and Tenants Need to Know About Vandalism Claims

The Incident

On March 5, 2026, Tamir Grant, 27, of Charleston, was charged with malicious injury to property after allegedly admitting to police that he broke windows at the Walgreens located at King and Calhoun streets in downtown Charleston. According to a Live 5 News report, Grant was arrested and charged following the incident at one of the most heavily trafficked commercial corners in the city.

While this incident is being handled as a criminal matter, it also raises important civil questions: What legal recourse does a property owner or business tenant have when their property is intentionally destroyed? Who bears the financial burden of repairs? And what should you do if you find yourself in a similar situation?

What South Carolina Law Says

South Carolina Code Ann. § 16-11-520 governs malicious injury to property — a criminal charge. But the criminal case is only half the picture. Under civil law, a property owner or business tenant whose property is intentionally damaged has a separate right to sue the responsible party for the full cost of repairs, lost business income, and other related damages.

South Carolina also recognizes claims for tortious interference with property and conversion, depending on the circumstances. If a landlord's negligence contributed to the incident — for example, by failing to install adequate lighting or security measures despite prior incidents — the property owner's liability could extend beyond just the criminal defendant. The statute of limitations for civil property damage claims in South Carolina is generally three years under § 15-3-530.

Your Rights and Options

If your commercial or residential property has been damaged by vandalism in Charleston, here is what you should do:

• File a police report immediately. This creates an official record essential for both insurance claims and any future civil lawsuit.
• Document all damage thoroughly. Photograph everything before any repairs are made. Keep all repair invoices and receipts.
• Notify your insurance carrier, but be careful about giving recorded statements. Let an attorney review your policy first if the damage is significant.
• Pursue a civil claim against the responsible party. A criminal conviction is compelling evidence in a civil case, but you do not need to wait for the criminal process to conclude before filing a civil action.
• Assess whether the property owner may share responsibility. If you are a business tenant and the owner failed to maintain adequate security that contributed to the vandalism, you may have a claim against them as well.

What I Look For When Evaluating These Cases

In property damage cases, the key questions I ask are: How severe is the damage, and is it economically practical to pursue litigation? Was the act intentional or negligent — and is there a solvent defendant who can actually pay a judgment? In a situation like the Walgreens incident, the business itself likely has significant insurance coverage that will handle the repair costs. But for a small business owner or individual whose property was destroyed and whose damages are not fully covered by insurance, a civil claim against the responsible party can be the only path to full recovery.

I also look at whether a landlord or property management company bears any shared responsibility — particularly when there is a documented history of prior vandalism at the location and the property owner took no steps to improve security.

How Opposing Parties Will Fight Back

Defendants in civil property damage cases often dispute the valuation of the damage or argue that the repairs were more extensive than necessary. Insurance companies representing property owners may attempt to characterize the damage as wear and tear or pre-existing, or may invoke exclusions in the policy. If you are a tenant claiming losses against a landlord, expect arguments that your lease allocated risk of vandalism to you. A thorough review of lease terms and insurance policy language is critical before accepting any settlement offer.

Related Practice Areas at Traywick Law Offices

At Traywick Law Offices, I handle property litigation matters including disputes over property damage, landlord-tenant conflicts, and real property rights throughout South Carolina. I also assist clients with consumer protection claims when businesses engage in deceptive practices that cause financial harm. If your property has been damaged and you are not getting fair treatment from an insurance company or responsible party, I can help you understand your options.

My Final Thoughts

Vandalism in downtown Charleston is not a new problem, but the cost of that vandalism falls disproportionately on small business owners and property owners who are simply trying to operate legally. When someone intentionally destroys your property, the civil justice system gives you tools to fight back — tools that exist regardless of what happens in the criminal case. If you have suffered significant property damage in Charleston and are not sure how to proceed, reach out. I am happy to review your situation at no charge.